The Printing Charity blog

Reach Printing Services has been working with the Printing Charity for many years. It’s a fantastic institution, so we wanted our second blog to raise awareness of the fantastic work it does.

The print industry is going through a time of great challenge and uncertainty, and the charity can make a real difference to people’s lives.

About the Printing Charity

Since 1827, the Printing Charity has helped people in printing, publishing, packaging and graphic arts.

The UK’s second oldest occupational charity, it was originally set up as the Printer’s Pension Society to help printers who had fallen on hard times.

Although the charity’s origins were in welfare, over the years its work has grown to include education. Its charitable aims include promoting independence, protecting dignity and furthering education.

It’s the only dedicated national charity helping people of all ages in printing, publishing, packaging and graphic arts sectors, as well as the allied trades. Its welfare and education work supports people throughout the UK.

Welfare and wellbeing

The charity’s aim is to provide relief from the effects of financial hardship, poor health and distress. It does this through one-off grants, regular financial assistance and signposting to specialist services.

Sheltered homes

As part of its commitment to look after older people, the charity has two purpose-built sheltered homes, Beaverbrook House in Bletchley and Southwood Court in Basildon.

The homes offer independent living for people aged 60 years or over, who work or have worked in the industry and are retired or have a direct connection to the industry.

Residents live independently with the comfort of knowing that they are part of a friendly community, with access to support when needed.

Education and partnerships

The charity’s education work has grown from educating printers’ children in the very early days to championing industry initiatives providing clear pathways into employment and career development for young people in the industry.

Print Futures – A Printing Charity Initiative

Since 2003, the charity’s flagship Print Futures Awards have been helping to attract and retain new talent in printing, publishing, packaging and graphic arts.

Open to UK residents aged 18-30, those eligible can apply for a Print Futures Award of up to £1,500.

Michael Brown, Commercial Director of Reach Printing Services is pleased to be on the 2018 judging panel – you can find out more here.

For more information about the Printing Charity’s work, visit www.theprintingcharity.org or call 01293 542820.

You can also follow The Printing Charity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.