Lynne is the self-employed owner of an eco-friendly greetings card business based in Edinburgh called Hippy Art Scotland. She contacted the Printing Charity when the process of moving from her previous benefits onto universal credit meant she had to use her savings, and credit card, to pay for everyday essentials while waiting for the first payment. At the same time, her laptop, vital equipment to continue to run her business, was faulty, making things very difficult.
Lynne used the grants search tool on the Turn2Us website to identify funding that she could be eligible for, and discovered the Printing Charity.
“I’d not heard of the Printing Charity before,” she explains, “and I was a bit nervous about applying for grants, because admitting you need help is daunting. However, the support I received was really great.”
Treated as an individual
Lynne felt supported throughout the Printing Charity’s grant application process. “It wasn’t just box-ticking, I was treated as an individual,” she remembers.
Once her application was approved, she initially received a new laptop. “Even just the fact that the laptop is lightweight makes a huge difference. It’s much easier for me, with my disability,” she says.
Following that, the charity was able to support her with a new cooker and washing machine. “The ones I had at the time were second hand, and they were not working properly – getting them replaced has released a lot of stress. To have people coming in to fit the new appliances and take away the old ones was fantastic – I couldn’t have got the old ones taken away myself.”
Lynne goes on to explain: “Because I was assessed as an individual, the charity team realised that I was eligible for additional financial support, which was wonderful. I used to be very anxious, but I don’t have the worry at the end of the month anymore.”
“The support has given me confidence.”
Support from both the Printing Charity and a local charitable organisation has made a tremendous difference to Lynne. She says: “I felt quite lost before, but the support has given me confidence to be self-employed and run my business now. If someone is in need, look through Turn2Us or other similar resources, because there could definitely be something for you out there.”
As a self-employed person, Lynne didn’t necessarily feel part of something – but now, this has changed. “Receiving support from the charity, I now feel I’m part of something, in an industry, not on my own. It’s wonderful to hear that all areas of the print industry, from greeting cards to graphic design, are covered by the Printing Charity.”
As a result, her message to anyone in a similar situation is clear: “If someone with a connection to print finds themself in a difficult situation – whether it’s financially, through disability or a life crisis, it’s always worth contacting the Printing Charity, even if initially it’s just to ask for advice.”
Like Lynne, get in touch and be part of something by starting the conversation with our friendly team. E-mail support@theprintingcharity.org.uk or call 01293 542 820. We’re here for you.