“It’s great you’re there, even just for a chat.”
Sometimes, a simple phone call can help to talk through life’s challenges.
“I simply couldn’t manage without The Printing Charity,” says Ida. “It’s not just your financial help with essential expenses, it’s the wonderful emotional support you give me too, especially when my husband died.”
Born and brought up in the Middle East, she recalls an idyllic childhood with plenty of sunshine. Relocating with her family to Wales, where she loves living, her flair for languages led to a job as a police interpreter when she left school.
Ida’s husband, Glyn, worked in print. After 41 years in the sector, it was devastating for them when he was made redundant with one year’s wages as his redundancy pay. His health quickly went downhill and he was unable to work again.
As Glyn had done his National Service in the 1950s and served for a further eight years in the Army, they contacted SSAFA, the Armed Forces’ charity, for help. Where people have a print and military connection, they may also be eligible for help from us.
“SSAFA then put us in touch with you,” says Ida. “I was so worried your help would stop when my husband died, but it hasn’t. You have two choices in life – sink or swim and I’ve chosen to swim. Despite my health problems, I still live in my own home. And it’s great you’re there, even just for a chat.”
Just like Ida, we know the value of having someone to talk to, which is why our friendly team is on hand at the end of the phone to help you and your family navigate the support available to you. Contact us by emailing support@theprintingcharity.org.uk or call us on 01293 542 820.