NewstrAid Launches Volunteer Recruitment Drive During Volunteers’ Week 2025

From 2–8 June 2025, NewstrAid is proud to join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations across the UK in celebrating the power of volunteering during Volunteers’ Week, and this year, the charity is turning the spotlight on one of its most vital volunteer roles.

In a tribute to its dedicated Welfare Volunteers, NewstrAid is using this national week of recognition to launch a major recruitment campaign aimed at expanding its compassionate volunteer network. The goal: to support even more people from the newstrade community who are in need of assistance.

“Our Welfare Volunteers are at the very heart of what we do,” says Katie Babooram, who manages the scheme. “Whether it’s a friendly phone call or a home visit, these volunteers make a real difference—easing loneliness and acting as the charity’s eyes and ears to ensure we’re delivering the right help to those who need it most.”

Stories That Inspire Throughout Volunteers’ Week, NewstrAid will feature the stories of individual Welfare Volunteers across its social channels—each day celebrating a different volunteer and the personal fulfilment they gain from the role. This powerful storytelling aims to inspire new faces, particularly those with ties to the newstrade industry, to step forward and get involved.

Who Can Volunteer? The role is flexible and accessible — open to retirees as well as those still working. Increasingly, working individuals are using their employer-supported volunteer days to make welfare calls or visits.   All that’s needed is:

• A little time
• A kind ear and a willingness to chat
• Empathy for those navigating difficult circumstances

“Volunteering with NewstrAid is a chance to give back in a way that’s truly meaningful,” adds Katie. “Whether you’re recently retired or looking to make a difference on your lunch break, we’d love to hear from you.”

All Welfare Volunteers receive a short induction and are supported with a DBS check to ensure they feel confident and prepared in their role.

To find out how you can become part of this life-changing initiative, visit www.newstraid.org.uk/welfare-volunteers/

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For Media information contact Lindsay Rule; lindsay@newstraid.org.uk

NewstrAid is a charity which aims to provide welfare for people who are, or have been, employed in the selling and distribution of newspapers and magazines in the UK and who find themselves in hardship. This includes their immediate family and dependants who are in need or in distress. The charity has been in existence since 1839 and counts Charles Dickens amongst its past presidents. It celebrated its 185th anniversary in 2024 and was named ‘Charity of the Year’ at the 2023 ACO Awards.  www.newstraid.org.uk

Volunteers’ Week is a UK-wide campaign led in partnership by Volunteer Scotland, NCVO (the National Council for Voluntary Organisations), WCVA (the Wales Council for Voluntary Action) and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland. It is an annual campaign, which now takes place every year from the first Monday in June. Please visit the Volunteers’ Week website to find out more. To track Volunteers’ Week activity on social media search for #VolunteersWeek