Eleven print-related charities have joined forces to help each other publicise their services and ensure they remain relevant to people in the industry sectors they represent.
The Printing Charity, The Book Trade Charity (BTBS), GPM Charitable Trust, NABS, The Bishop Trust for past employees of Moore Paragon and Lamson Industries, Paper Industry Charitable Trust, The Bookbinders Charitable Society, The Journalists’ Charity, The Stationers’ Foundation, Unite the Union, and the National Union of Journalists Extra will work together to promote what they do.
David Hicks, chief executive of The Book Trade Charity, said: “The ‘information’ industry is one of the biggest sectors in the UK and covers a wide range of endeavour; it affects the lives of all citizens. The speed of technological change means the industry is constantly moving forward. By working together, all of the relevant trade welfare charities can ensure that they can continue to provide the best, and most appropriate, support services for colleagues who experience difficult personal circumstances. This continues a tradition of charitable support which, for many charities, dates back into and beyond the Victorian era.”
Stephen Gilbert, chief executive of The Printing Charity, added: “Our lines of communication to the people who need our help are no longer so clear cut, so it makes sense to work through established, like-minded organisations.”
The focus of the new, informal alliance of print-related charities will be to help each other raise their profiles by sharing information about their support services, including eligibility criteria and grants available. They will also cross-refer where possible, for example, to fill vacancies in their respective retirement homes.