Backup Recipient, Jayne Ross

Backstage with Backup

7 March 2025
Backstage with Backup
E7: Freelancer and Backup Recipient Jayne Ross
Guest: Jayne has worked in the entertainment and corporate sector since the early 80s, first in theatre, moving to corporate full time in the 90s. She has been a show caller, on site producer, and stage manager, amongst other roles.

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.
In this conversation: Jayne and Sarah talk about her career, what happened to her medically, her experience when she went back to work, and how Backup’s help, along with other organisations, has been vital.

Warning –some people may find the details upsetting

Episode key topics + chapter markers:
0:50 – Jayne outlines her career, the start of her medical problems, Covid lockdown, and the impact of a 2022 car accident.

7:00 – Jayne talks about her injury claim against the driver who hit her, Equity’s support through the process, and how counselling and her northern sense of humour helps her cope.

10:00 – Jayne and Sarah discuss how her physical health has impacted her ability to work and her financial situation, how Backup has helped and its quick and easy the process.

19:00 – Jayne highlights how attitudes in the industry have changed towards her and the lack of disabled access for crew in venues, particularly during build days.

27:28 – Jayne explains her struggles, and the incredible kindness and generosity from people in the industry.

29:20 – Jayne emphasises that freelancers don’t have a formal safety net for physical or mental health issues, how tragedy changes processes, but that they don’t seem to last.

30:54 – Sarah asks Jayne for final words of advice for people who might find themselves in a similar situation to her.

32:18 – Update on Jayne’s situation and how she hopes that this podcast can help to remove the stigma around disabled crew in the industry.

Useful resources and links related to this episode:
Music Support for MHFAider training (FREE for Freelancers)
Hub of Hope find the right support for you, in your

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