The new charity Entertainment Assist has been established to offer support for people in the entertainment industry who need crisis support and preventative assistance.
While the public perceives people in the entertainment industry to be rich and famous, more likely the opposite is closer to the facts.
People in the entertainment industry are likely to have irregular incomes and can go for months and often years without paid work, leading to financial crisis, personal stress and loss of health.
They rarely get holiday or sick play and have to pay their own superannuation, insurances and legals.
Entertainment Assist has found that workers in the industry are more likely to use alcohol and drugs in excess and experience mental and physical problems during long periods of unemployment.
The charity will offer:
- financial planning;
- medical support and welfare services;
- support to sufferers of drug and alcohol addictions and financial distress;
- industry based educational programs;
- industry mentoring;
- education and access to National support services including counselling, relationships, health and finances;
- financial aid;
- organising events aimed at raising funds for entertainment industry personnel and their families and increasing awareness in the community.
Money will be raised from a series of events, the first being a fundraising dinner that the Sofitel Ballroom in Collins St, Melbourne on Friday October 28.
The event, ‘Gotta Have Heart’ will feature ‘Oh What A Night’, a Frankie Valli and the Four Season tribute act from Las Vegas.
Bookings can be made at www.entertainmentassist.org.au
