Q. Do I have to be a member or subscriber to NewstrAid in order to get help?

A. No, not at all – to be considered for help all you need is to have worked in the UK news trade or be the immediate dependent of someone who has worked in the UK news trade. You may have worked in a newsagents shop or for a wholesale newsagent or in the distribution or circulation of newspapers or magazines.

Q. What sort of help is available?

A. A wide range of help is available: financial help (regular or one off), advice (are you claiming all you are entitled to from the state? Who else might also be able to help you?), accommodation (we have a care home in Dunmow and there are two sheltered housing units, one in Lilleshall and one that Seaford) and a visiting service from our wonderful volunteer almoners.

Q. What happens when I ask for help?

A. We are always happy to discuss this with you over the telephone but initially you would be sent an application form (usually this would actually be brought to you by one of our almoners). It is rather long and detailed but we need as much information as possible in order to know how to help you best. Please rest assured that all the information you provide us with is kept very confidential within NewstrAid. Ultimately, our Welfare Committee (made up of volunteers from the news trade within the UK) will decide what help, if any, and at what level NewstrAid can give you.

Q. Can I ask for help on behalf of someone else; a member of my family or a friend?

A. Yes but you do have to have that person’s permission. We would not want to approach someone without their permission. Please ask them first if they mind you speaking to us on their behalf.

Q. How can help NewstrAid?

A. There are all sorts of ways to help us help those less fortunate than ourselves. Obviously, the help we provide costs money and any donations you are able to make would be most welcome. This might be a one-off donation, a weekly amount on your news sheet if you are a retailer or maybe you could remember us in your will. Vital to the work we do are our volunteer almoners. Almoners visit our current and potential beneficiaries, providing a local, friendly source of support. NewstrAid covers the almoners expenses but their gift of time and compassion is priceless. There are very many other ways you could help – make contact with us and ask how and do keep checking the list of events on here, there’s bound to be one or more that you could attend.