NewstrAid announces new name for Volunteers during National Volunteers Week

Industry charity NewstrAid, has announced a new name for their much-valued volunteers.

Historically known as ‘Almoners’, this dedicated group of people who provide the human face of the charity by visiting and telephoning hundreds of NewstrAid beneficiaries every year will now be known as Welfare Volunteers.

Katie Babooram, Welfare Manager for NewstrAid said: “The name ‘Almoner’ is increasingly being misunderstood by both beneficiaries and prospective new volunteers to the extent that it is becoming a barrier to finding new people to take on the role. With this in mind we have taken the decision to rename this brilliant group of people who will now be called Welfare Volunteers.”

Tying in with National Volunteers Week, the charity is also keen to encourage more people from the newstrade to get involved and become a Welfare Volunteer. Those who take on the role will typically contact their beneficiaries around 3 times a year providing a service which is valued as much as the financial support the charity offers.

Katie Babooram added: “We are always looking for new people to become Welfare Volunteers. It is a rewarding role and full training is given in advance. If you are working and your employer offers volunteer days, you could use these to support NewstrAid in this role. The key things you need are some spare time and empathy for those who are going through a tough time.”

Further details about Welfare Volunteers can be found on the NewstrAid website https://www.newstraid.org.uk/welfare-volunteers/

Those interested in becoming a Welfare Volunteer should contact mail@newstraid.org.uk

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

About NewstrAid 

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 since 1839 and counts Charles Dickens amongst its past Presidents. 2024 marks NewstrAid’s 185^th anniversary and in 2023 the charity was named ‘Charity of the Year’ at the ACO Awards.  www.newstraid.org.uk