NewstrAid has introduced a new Long Service Award to celebrate the commitment and contribution of its Welfare Volunteers, recognising those who have served the charity for five years or more.
The award was officially launched at the charity's Annual General Meeting on 1 July, where eight volunteers in attendance received the inaugural Long Service Badge.
NewstrAid's Welfare Volunteers – formerly known as Almoners – play a vital role in supporting beneficiaries who receive regular financial assistance from the charity. Through home visits and telephone calls, they provide a personal connection for individuals whose circumstances are unlikely to change, including older people and those unable to work due to long-term illness or disability.
"We are really excited to be celebrating the work of our volunteers in this way," said Georgia Cannon, who manages NewstrAid's volunteer network. "They are the human faces of NewstrAid and this initiative highlights the invaluable contribution they make in helping the charity maintain a personal and community-focused welfare service for people working in, or retired from, the newstrade and wider sectors."
While new volunteers continue to join the charity, many existing volunteers have dedicated significantly longer than five years to the role, with some having served for 40 and even 50+ years.
The new Long Service Badge will be presented to eligible volunteers throughout the year at regional events and meetings.
NewstrAid supports hundreds of people from across the newspaper and magazine industry each year, providing financial, emotional and practical assistance.
Become a welfare volunteer
NewstrAid is always keen to hear from people within the newstrade who would like to support colleagues and former colleagues through volunteering. Full training and DBS checks are provided.
For more information, visit www.newstraid.org.uk/welfare-volunteers, email mail@newstraid.org.uk, or call 01279 879 569.
For more information about NewstrAid and the support available, visit: www.newstraid.org.uk