Industry Charity Increases Annual Winter Comfort Grant to help hundreds to keep warm this winter.

In direct response to the soaring energy prices and recent cuts to Universal Credit, industry charity NewstrAid will be adding a supplement to their annual Winter Comfort Grant which goes out to 389 of their most vulnerable beneficiaries during October.

Sinead Flood, Welfare Manager for NewstrAid said: “We felt it was essential to increase the rate of our Winter Comfort Grant this year in light of the recent reduction in Universal credit and the prospect of increased energy bills over the coming months, Some households will see their income drop by more than £1,000 per year and are struggling to survive on limited income as it is. We don’t want anyone to have to choose between eating and heating this winter.”

Each year the Winter Comfort Grants allow hundreds of beneficiaries to keep warm over the winter months with recipients using the money to help with heating bills, buy warm bedding and purchase winter clothes ready for the months ahead.

Sinead Flood added; “Anyone with a newstrade connection who is struggling to cope this winter should contact our welfare team on Freephone 0800 917 8616.   We can offer state benefit advice to anybody from the industry, including those who have children and/or disabled or elderly family members to look after.”

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For Media information contact: Lindsay Rule; lindsay@newstraid.org.uk

About NewstrAid  www.newstraid.org.uk

NewstrAid is a charity which aims to provide welfare for people who are, or have been, employed in the selling and distribution of newspapers and magazines in the UK and who find themselves in hardship. This includes their immediate family and dependants who are in need or in distress. The charity has been in existence for over 180 years and counts Charles Dickens amongst its presidents.