Mal worked in the print industry all his life, starting as an apprentice compositor, setting type for printing. He worked throughout the industry’s evolution, learning about, and working with, litho print, and then moving on to selling printing equipment.
“I had a good career,” he remembers. “I have brilliant memories of past traditions from print, including ‘banging the apprentices out’, when they finished their apprenticeships. As they walked through the factory for the final time we’d all bang metal equipment to make a real noise as they left.”
“Thanks to you and my family, I’m a lucky man.”
Unfortunately, when Mal retired, he found himself in financial difficulties, and after approaching a couple of different charities for support, he was signposted to the Printing Charity due to his lengthy industry career.
He contacted the charity five years ago, and since then has received financial support. As a career-long member of the print industry, it makes sense to him that the charity is here to help people like him, who dedicated their working life to print.
He describes himself as a lucky man. “Your support means that I don’t have to worry about going to see my kids and my grandkids,” he explains. “They’ve been there for me, and without financial worry, I can be there for them.”
“Once you make contact, you’ve broken the ice.”
Mal is positive about the future, but also clear that taking the step to contact the Printing Charity and start a conversation to ask for help has played a key role in enabling him to feel like this.
“I’ve had a good career, and I have good support from my family, but I still needed financial help. Everyone can get into some sort of difficulty, and it’s only when it happens to you that you realise that anyone, really, is one step away from that situation.
“It was embarrassing to get in touch with the Printing Charity, as I’ve always sorted things out on my own, but once you make contact, you’ve broken the ice and then you’re over the initial embarrassment.
“You don’t know what’s out there to help until you talk, so talk to people like the Printing Charity, as you will find advice, and realise that help is out there.”
At the Printing Charity, we firmly believe Mal is right. It starts with a conversation. Please get in touch with us to talk about the ways that we can help.
E-mail support@theprintingcharity.org.uk or call 01293 542 820 weekdays between 9.30 and 5pm. Remember, we’re here for you.