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GroceryAid publishes first impact report

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In September, GroceryAid  - the charity that helps people who work or have worked in the grocery industry -  published its first Impact Report. This shows 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 people who work in the grocery industry

Counselling services 

It wasn’t only financial intervention that people were reaching out for. During the year, the grocery charity:

  • Provided 98% more telephone counselling sessions

  • Experienced a threefold increase in use of its Relate relationship service

  • Saw a 75% rise in use of its Renovo return to work support programme.

GroceryAid's Chief Executive's comments

GroceryAid's Chief Executive Steve Barnes commented “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.”

Helpline, befriending and respite breaks

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.

Find out more about GroceryAid

Read the GroceryAid Impact Report

Call the free, confidential Helpline on 08088 021 122 or visit the GroceryAid website for advice and support.

Read GroceryAid's profile on the Turn2us Grants Search