Michael worked in print as a die maker for an impressive 50 years, running his own business for 25 of them. “I met a lot of friends and good people,” he recalls.
After collapsing at work, he was unable to return, and while his employers were very supportive, he decided to retire.
Money worries in retirement
Once Michael had retired, he became very anxious about money, as he didn’t know how he would maintain his property or pay his bills. He and his wife Jane kept a small ‘rainy day fund’, but he realised that all of this would be used up very rapidly on bills.
A charity here for people like him
In the midst of this difficult situation, Jane learnt that the couple were eligible for support from the local foodbank. “I was 100% against it,” Michael recalls. “My pride meant that I was very reluctant, but when I did go, they were very helpful. The person we spoke to asked if I’d had a trade, and when I explained that I’d worked in print for 50 years, she advised me to go online and check for any charities set up to look after people from the print industry.”
As a result, Michael learnt about the Printing Charity. “It was out of the blue!” he says. “I had no idea about charities who supported people in particular industries.”
As a result of his conversation with the Printing Charity welfare team, Michael and Jane found that they were eligible for financial assistance from the charity, which, as Michael puts it, “has allowed us to keep our heads above water.”
Put your pride to one side and ask for help
“We were in a seriously difficult position, not knowing where to turn, but the Printing Charity was there for us,” Michael states. He is adamant about how important it is that people “put their pride to one side and ask for help”.
Financial difficulties can happen to anyone. “Sometimes all of us at some point in our lives need help, and there is help and support out there for people who are struggling. I initially didn’t want to get in touch with the Printing Charity – it was a really big thing, to go through the application process, but I am really glad that we did.”
As Michael explains, help and support is out there – it starts with a conversation. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your situation and find out how we can be here for you, too. E-mail support@theprintingcharity.org.uk or call 01293 542 820 Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm.