GroceryAid’s Impact Report shines light on working poor

This month GroceryAid published its first Impact Report revealing that employers have become the charity’s primary referrer – an important milestone as awareness in the grocery industry grows. 

GroceryAid spent £4.7M last year making life better for grocery people who found themselves in difficulties. 

Applications rose by 22% and of the 14,583 people helped, 62% were of working age, clearly reflecting the impact that the industry’s tough trading times are having on our colleagues. 

It wasn’t only financial intervention that people were reaching out for. During the year the grocery charity provided 98% more telephone counselling sessions, their Relate relationship service saw a threefold increase and use of the Renovo return to work support service was up by 75%.

Chief Executive Steve Barnes told Charity Today:

“We know that any unforeseen event, such as illness, relationship breakdowns or redundancy can easily knock people into emotional and financial hardship. That is why I am so proud of the support we provide to colleagues who are working in and contributing to the industry today. Our one-off crisis grants have increased by 86% this year and as the industry goes through a once in a generation restructure, we expect applications to continue to rise.”

Overall GroceryAid’s Helpline, which provides practical advice and emotional support on a variety of problems including mental health issues, finance and debt worries, relationship breakdowns and carers support, saw a 26% increase in calls. The charity continues to support retired colleagues and those unable to work. To help alleviate social isolation it undertook 1,904 befriending calls and provided 198 respite breaks to colleagues with caring responsibilities.

Call the free, confidential Helpline on 08088 021 122 or visit www.groceryaid.org.uk for advice and support.

For more information about our 2018 Impact Report please contact news@groceryaid.org.uk, call 01252 875925 or visit www.groceryaid.org.uk.

To read the full report click here.

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