MITC’s touring Welfare Officer combines the roles ofoccupational health advisor, counsellor, mediator, health coach, and activity planner to optimise the touring live-work environment and support high performing teams.
Meet Sascha, a vital member of MITC’s on-tour support team.
When Pete Abbott, Dua Lipa’s Tour Director, asked us to put Touring and Mental Health: the Music Industry Manual into action, we designed a new role to support the team on the Radical Optimism tour. During recruitment, we found the perfect fit – Sascha Heeney (right). Sascha has three decades of experience in live music and touring, in a variety of roles. She is also an experienced psychiatric nurse and a tour guide, leading tours to some of the most remote destinations in the world.
“The show looks and sounds better because we have a welfare officer.
That is absolutely true. Unequivocally true.”
Pete Abbott, Tour Director
Our Welfare Officer plays a pivotal role in setting new standards for health and welfare on tour. She helps to introduce strategies designed to reduce the impact of mental and physical stressors whilst on the road – maintaining motivation and morale, resolving conflicts and helping the team to collaborate whilst working under pressure. Sascha acts as an advocate, mentor, health coach, confidante, and recreational events manager to the touring party, contributing in an overall sense of safety and belonging. She is clinically supervised by senior therapists at MITC, and can signpost and make referrals to further services when required.
What can a Welfare Officer provide?
Welfare check ins
Crisis intervention
Accessibility assessments
Healthy activities and cultural pursuits
Mediation and conflict resolution
Workshops and training sessions
Signposting to support services
Guidance on healthy touring practices
Read more about Sascha’s incredible work by clicking on the links below
