21 Sept. 2023: For nearly 200 years, the Printing Charity has been here for people working in, or retired from, paper, print, packaging, publishing and graphics, whenever life doesn’t go to plan.
Their helpline team provides practical and emotional support; their grants offer financial assistance in times of hardship; and they have sheltered homes for people in retirement. The industries the charity supports have changed beyond all recognition since the organisation was founded in 1827, and so too has their support, but the need for their services, and the commitment behind providing them, remains as important today as it has ever been.
The helpline – available for everyone working in paper
The Printing Charity’s free, confidential employee helpline can provide emotional support and advice for everyone working in the paper industry, and their immediate families, when needed.
Emotional support is available 24 / 7 / 365 from BACP-accredited counsellors, while practical support is available Monday – Friday, 8am-8pm, from information and advice specialists.
Watch the video to understand how it helps, and e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to learn more.
“We know that members of our team are going through a difficult time right now, with the cost of living crisis. Having worked with The Printing Charity before, I knew how good the helpline was.” – Louise Moody, Head of HR, Schumacher Packaging UK.
Rising Star Awards
The charity’s annual Rising Star Awards provides grants of up to £1500 to fund training to help boost personal and career development for people aged 18-30 building a career in any of the sectors they support, including paper.
“The opportunity that the Printing Charity has offered me through the Rising Star Award is incredibly valuable to my career and personal growth.” - Ally Boldan, PR and Communications Executive, Instantprint & 2023 Rising Star Awards winner.
The next Awards will open in January 2024. Sign up to the charity's newsletter to be among the first to hear about them.
Other ways the charity is #hereforyou
The Printing Charity offers financial support for people struggling to meet essential expenditure, as well as signposting to partner organisations who provide specialist services including for debt management, benefits, housing, energy prices and implications of the cost of living crisis. It all starts with a call to the charity’s welfare team who look at ways to help by understanding someone’s situation.
“I would like anyone struggling with something to speak to the Printing Charity in order to find out how they might be able to help.” – Paul, beneficiary.
The charity also runs affordable independent retirement living developments in Basildon and Bletchley for those who have retired from careers in paper, print, packaging, publishing or graphics. The friendly, supportive Almshouse communities have help on hand if needed and provide plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
“I’m really grateful to the staff, who’ve been really good, considerate and caring. If I’ve ever needed anything, they’ve been here for me.” – Les, Printing Charity retirement Almshouse resident.
The charity team would love to talk to people working in the paper industry about how they can help them, and their organisation.
Contact the team on 01293 542820 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to discuss in more detail.
To keep up to date on charity activities, the Printing Charity is on social media @printingcharity