The British Association For Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) and PPL have launched StageFit, a free online health training platform for people working and studying in the performing arts across the UK.
The platform was unveiled at PPL’s Annual Performer Meeting in Edinburgh by BAPAM executive medical director Dr Finola Ryan.
Clinically reviewed by experts at BAPAM, the UK's medical charity for the performing arts, it provides ‘day-one’ health training designed to help performers and organisations protect their own and others’ health.
BAPAM cites research showing that 75% of those working in the performing arts will face a career-impacting physical or psychological health problem at some point.
"Work and health go hand in hand in the performing arts and creative sectors, where highly skilled people do demanding work," said Ryan. "It’s no surprise that three in four performing arts professionals will experience an illness or injury that affects their career. Whether they stay well depends a great deal on the task, the environment and the culture they work in, which makes reducing that number everyone’s job.
"StageFit provides clinically backed training for individuals and organisations to recognise the impact of work on health, and to reduce and prevent work-related health problems."
PPL is proud to have supported the development of StageFit, a first-of-its-kind resource
Peter Leathem, PPL
Funded by PPL, StageFit covers four key areas known to be impacted by a career in the performing arts: hearing health, vocal health, mental health and musculoskeletal health.
“The modules explain the common health risks of working in the performing arts, how to reduce them and what to do when a health problem occurs," said BAPAM CEO Claire Cordeaux. "We hope to see industry and education organisations adopt StageFit as standard training across their teams and institutions."
PPL CEO Peter Leathem added: “BAPAM brings unique clinical expertise to the UK’s creative industries, helping to ensure that health initiatives are safe, effective and accessible. PPL is proud to have supported the development of StageFit, a first-of-its-kind resource giving people across the performing arts free access to practical, evidence-based information to help protect their health and wellbeing throughout their careers.”
People can register for free training at www.stagefit.org.uk.
