We’re the Printing Charity, a charity with national reach, and the second oldest occupational charity in the UK. We are the only charity dedicated to providing practical, emotional and financial support to people working in the vibrant, evolving print, packaging, paper, publishing and the graphic arts sectors.
Since we were founded in 1827, the industry we support has changed beyond all recognition, but while the ways we help those working in, retired from or connected to our sectors have changed, the need for our services remains as important today as it always has been.
We know that life doesn’t always go according to plan, and we believe that everyone should have someone to turn to when that is the case.
Our helpline
“With the helpline, we trust that someone will be at the end of the phone for our colleagues immediately to provide in-the-moment help and support.” – Kim Hill, HR Business Partner and Wellbeing Lead, Paragon
We are proud to provide a free, confidential employee helpline for businesses in our sectors, so that employees and their families have access to independent emotional and practical support when it’s 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.
Please e-mail helpline@theprintingcharity.org.uk to find out more about establishing the helpline in your organisation.
Financial and signposting support
“All that you do has made a big difference in our lives.” – Beneficiary
Financial support is available for people struggling with essential day-to-day expenditure, as well as for those who find themselves hit with a significant, unexpected cost. We signpost those in need to partner organisations who provide specialist services, including for debt management, wellbeing, benefits, housing, energy prices and implications of the cost of living crisis.
Independent retirement living
“I have a great feeling of safety and security, living here.” – Les, Southwood Court resident
We’re proud to be a member of the Almshouse Association, and those retired from our sectors may be eligible to live in our affordable, independent living developments in Basildon & Bletchley. The homes are set in beautiful gardens with plenty of communal areas and a wide range of activities available for anyone who wants to join in. The developments are friendly, supportive communities providing plenty of opportunities to make new friends, where help is on hand if needed.
People may be eligible for Printing Charity financial support or a place in one of our retirement developments if they’ve worked for at least three years in one of our sectors (although not necessarily three consecutive years) or are a dependent of someone who has. The best thing to do is to contact our friendly team on 01293 542820 or support@theprintingcharity.org.uk to discuss in more detail.
Rising Star Awards
“The Rising Star Awards was an amazing opportunity for me to be recognised, and to develop my skills.” – Chelsea Davis, Rising Star Award winner
Our annual awards programme, the Rising Star Awards, is for people aged 18-30 building their career in print, packaging, paper, publishing and the graphic arts. The awards help our sector’s emerging talent to shine through grants of up to £1500 to fund the courses and training that will help boost their future career development, benefiting them, the businesses where they work and the industry overall.
To keep up to date on our activities, visit our website www.theprintingcharity.org.uk and follow us on social media @printingcharity.