Meet our Welfare Volunteers

Some of our welfare volunteers share their experience of the role and what they get out of it.

If you are interested in becoming a welfare volunteer please contact our welfare team:  mail@newstraid.org.uk / 01279 789568

Welfare Volunteer for 5+ years

“I became a Welfare Volunteer essentially to try and give something back to the trade which I’ve been a part of for most of my life. 

My background is Circulation based having worked for regional newspapers initially for 10 years and then with Reach PLC for a further 27 years. I’m still working now so knocking on the door of 40 years in the trade.

I enjoy being part of a charity that really cares about its beneficiaries and being able to reach out and help those who really need us.

We all have busy lives, but the reward of being fortunate enough to help others far outweighs any time you put into the role.

If you are thinking about becoming a welfare volunteer, just do it, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Welfare Volunteer for less than 12 months

“I signed up as a welfare volunteer because I have done volunteering before and my partner who works in the trade suggested that I could help the charity by becoming g a phone volunteer.

It takes up around 5 hours of my time during the course of the year and I love how happy the beneficiaries are when I call them.

The best part of the role is the feeling of satisfaction you get knowing that you are offering help and support to those who need it.

It really is so worthwhile and does not take up too much of your time. I really do enjoy it!”

Welfare Volunteer for 2+ years

“I reached out to offer my services as a volunteer when I retired.  I had always been involved with NewstrAid throughout my media career and on retiring, I had spare time to be able to offer my support.

I love being able to give a bit back to the newstrade that gave me a career.  The beneficiaries are so grateful and appreciative of the support which is why we do it.

If you have spare time, then it fills some of that with a very worthwhile cause.  The beneficiaries appreciate the contact, the financial support and just by spending some time with them, you can make a real difference to people who have fallen on hard times.  It’s very rewarding to see the appreciation and the difference that it makes to so many.

If you are considering becoming a volunteer I would simply say ‘Do it’!  How much time you commit is up to you, but every little bit makes a huge difference.”

Welfare Volunteer for 5+ years

“I worked in local newspapers for around ten years, and then spent 28 years with the Guardian in various roles. I became a volunteer after a chat with Tom Rodger (NewstrAid Operations Director), he said I might enjoy it and he was right.

I find the visits take up around 8 hours approximately 3 times a year, with about 2 hours preparation time (phone calls to arrange appointments). It’s not much to ask when I consider the rewarding career I have had in the trade

I enjoy keeping in touch with other people from the trade and it is rewarding to learn how NewstrAid makes a big difference to the beneficiares lives. All of my beneficiaries are extremely grateful for the support they receive.

I would recommend being a welfare volunteer to anyone who is interested in giving something back to the trade.

My advice to anyone thinking of coming on board would be to try the visits. There is no pressure from the charity management, so you can do as much or as little as you are able. “

Welfare Volunteer for less than 12 months

“I have worked at Future Publishing since April 2019 and heard through Marketforce about the amazing work NewstrAid have been doing.

I instantly knew I wanted to be involved in some way and have started using my two paid for volunteering days to support almoners. I volunteer at work by creating community events for our Bath office so I’m hoping to arrange a NewstrAid volunteer training and sign-up session in our office. Volunteering is a huge and important aspect to being in the publishing industry, it is a great way to give back to our readers and let them know they have support if they ever need it.

I volunteer for two full days a year but would like to find time on my lunch breaks to call more beneficiaries.

I love talking to people from different walks of life, who gave their time to the industry in some way or another. Each conversation makes me smile and feel so grateful that I can do something to make people feel connected and supported.

Being a welfare volunteer is a really simple way to make someone’s day. A short conversation to see if they need any further support can do wonders for their peace of mind and wellbeing and can also help ease any loneliness they could be experiencing.

I would recommend anyone to take the time to become a welfare volunteer; it is a really rewarding role that won’t take long but has a massive impact on the people you contact.

One phone call or visit can mean the world to someone who may not get many visitors or callers.“

Welfare Volunteer for 5+ years

“I had been on NewstrAid’s South East Area Committee for about 6 years prior to retirement and was asked if I would become a volunteer after retirement. I thought it would be a good thing to do to help others.

I like how the role keeps me connected with people from the industry and it satisfying to help people in need.

It’s good to know you are helping and offering a supporting service to those who need and appreciate it.

If you are retired it gives you a focus and a sense of purpose and feels good to know you are helping people in need.“

Welfare Volunteer for 40+ years

“I got involved as a Welfare Volunteer to give something back and help those in the trade that needed the charity’s help.

I enjoy how the role keeps me up to date with the trade and with many old colleagues.

In the old days when I had lots of beneficiaries it could take up a couple of days but now with telephone calls it takes up just a couple of hours of my time each year.

I have many fond memories from my involvement in the charity and feel that if you have benefited from being part of the industry, then this is your chance to give something back to help others.

My advice to any new volunteers would be to be prepared to listen, learn, and enjoy giving time to help others. “

Welfare Volunteer for 15+ years

“All my life I have been involved in a variety of community service projects and when I was invited to become a volunteer I accepted – it allows me to give something back through NewstrAid in return for all the things I have enjoyed about the industry.

I enjoy reminiscing and realising I am so lucky with health and finances.

Joy, laughter and sharing stories are all part of the role.

If you are considering becoming a welfare volunteer I would say think it through carefully and accept you are going to commit some of your time to it.  I have 6 beneficiaries so it takes up around 46 hours across the year.

I would absolutely recommend becoming a volunteer – you will be part of a unique family offering advice, support and financial assistance.“

Welfare Volunteer for 50+ years

“I inherited the welfare volunteer role after both my Dad and Mum passed on.

The best bit of the role is being the human representative of the fantastic charity, and being someone who the recipient knows personally and can contact if needs be.

I don’t think I could offer advice to new volunteers, apart from saying that I have been very proud to have been able to, in some small way, help people who have fallen on hard times.“

Welfare Volunteer for 30+ years

“I joined the Daily Herald in Manchester when I left school and worked in various roles within the newstrade until my retirement in 2009. I was so involved with Newsagents etc. with my job that I wanted to help as many as I could through OLD BEN (as it was then) and so I joined the Welfare Volunteers (then called Almoners).

I try to see my Beneficiaries in the same week and if they are situated near each other, I may see 2 in a day. With the travelling, I spend an average of 2 hours visiting each person which totals about 24 hours a year. On top of this, if there is anything out of the ordinary I would also ring them up.

I like to think that for all the dedication they have given to the newstrade we can give them some support when they need it.

I would recommend becoming a welfare volunteer to anyone from newstrade.“

Welfare Volunteer for 3+ years

Having worked in the trade since the 1980’s I wanted to help people who need it. I enjoy every minute of it now I am retired.

I have 3 beneficiaries who I visit and 3 beneficiaries who I contact by phone which in total takes up about 3 hours per month.

I like that I can carry out visits and calls at my own pace. The issues that some of my beneficiaries are experiencing have put lots of things about my own life into perspective and I enjoy helping them in any way I can.

Being a welfare volunteer is an easy way to help others less fortunate. When speaking with beneficiaries you can always find common ground from their work experiences.

I would say to anyone considering the role to just do it and see how enjoyable it is to help people who are not so fortunate. It’s easy to do and does not take a lot of time. 

Welfare Volunteer for 15+ years

“All my life I have been involved in a variety of community service projects and when I was invited to become a volunteer I accepted – it allows me to give something back through NewstrAid in return for all the things I have enjoyed about the industry.

I enjoy reminiscing and realising I am so lucky with health and finances. Joy, laughter and sharing stories are all part of the role.

If you are considering becoming a welfare volunteer I would say think it through carefully and accept you are going to commit some of your time to it.  I have 6 beneficiaries so it takes up around 46 hours across the year.

I would absolutely recommend becoming a volunteer – you will be part of a unique family offering advice, support and financial assistance.“

Welfare Volunteer for 20+ years

“I joined WHSmith Wholesale in 1959 and worked my way up to senior management until I retired in 1998.

I started as a welfare volunteer with 2 beneficiaries, which has gradually increased to 9 households.

I enjoy the role as it gives me the opportunity to give something back to society. It also ensures, where possible, NewstrAid is able to help the beneficiaries where it is needed.

I have seen for myself the way the financial help has put a smile on faces.

Recently, whilst visiting one of my beneficiaries, they mentioned that a friend had lost her husband and she had previously worked for WHS Retail. Her friend now also receives NewstrAid help.”

Welfare Volunteer for 20+ years

“I have always been aware of the help and support that NewstrAid, (originally known as Old Ben), is able to provide through my involvement with various area committees during my time in the newstrade. I welcomed the opportunity when I was invited to become a welfare volunteer (then called almoner) in 2002, a position that I still have and continue to enjoy doing.

I now only have 3 beneficiaries and make three official visits to each one per year spending approximately 90 minutes with each. Including travel time it probably takes up around 28 hours of my time per year including writing welfare reports.  I also make the occasional “social” visit but that depends on what help and support they need, although many have become friends over time.

The best part of the role is the warm welcome you always receive when you go to see a beneficiary and the satisfaction in knowing that you are in a position to get them help and support if and when needed.

I would recommend anyone with a newstrade connection to become a welfare volunteer for the reasons stated above plus it keeps you in contact with people you have previously worked with or have known during your time in the newstrade. It’s good to reminisce with someone about the good old days!

I would suggest that anyone interested in volunteering should speak with someone who is already a welfare volunteer, perhaps attend a welfare committee meeting, and attend a local NewstrAid Area Committee meeting. Get to know what NewstrAid is all about, just do it!“