Industry charity NewstrAid has unveiled a brand-new General Hardship Fund to provide urgent financial relief for those from the newstrade who are finding it difficult to keep up with essential household costs.
The fund offers grants of up to £250 per household, helping to ease the burden of rising bills and everyday expenses for anyone who has worked in the sale or distribution of newspapers and magazines in the UK.
"Every day, we hear from people who are struggling just to cover basic living costs," said Katie Babooram, Welfare Manager at NewstrAid. "Without vital support from charities like ours, many are at risk of falling deeper into financial hardship. Our new General Hardship Fund is designed to provide immediate assistance to those in the newstrade community who need help the most."
This initiative builds on the success of NewstrAid’s Cost of Living Crisis Fund, which provided crucial aid to those facing economic uncertainty between 2022 and 2024.
Katie added: "With the latest Government budget announcement bringing further cuts to essential benefits, many people are now facing even greater financial strain. We hope this fund will act as a much-needed safety net for those struggling to make ends meet."
Beyond one-off grants, NewstrAid also provides long-term financial assistance, as well as emotional and practical support to those in the newstrade community. In 2024 alone, the charity distributed over £800,000 to households in need—a figure that continues to rise year on year. Importantly, all NewstrAid grants are non-repayable and do not affect any existing benefits.
For full details on how to apply, visit: www.newstraid.org.uk/general-hardship-fund