An informal alliance has been formed between 11 print-related charities in a bid to strengthen their reach.

The charities, which include the Printing Charity, Paper Industry Charitable Trust, the Journalist's Charity and Unite the Union, hope that by joining forces they will be able to tap into each other's audience to strengthen their individual profiles. 

Stephen Gilbert, chief executive of the Printing Charity, said, "Like any business, reaching our target audience is critical to marketing our services successfully. In that respect, charities are no different from commercial organisation. But our lines of communication to the people who need our help are no longer so clear cut, so it makes sense to work through establised, like-minded organisations."

The organisations will share information about each other's services including information on any grants available and cross-reference wherever possible to provide a more comprehensive support service for their beneficiaries.

The Printing Charity offers grants to a diverse array of people working or seeking to work in the print industry or related sector. It covers a number of areas of support, including sheltered housing and training grants. It was formed through the merger of three related charities in 1865. 

The Book Trade company, which also enters the alliance provides social welfare, life skills, health and other support to those working in the book trade, helping 200 people per year.

The charities involved in the alliance are:

• The Printing Charity
• The Book Trade Charity
• GPM Charitable Trust
• NABS
• The Bishop Trust
• Paper Industry Charitable Trust
• The Bookbinders Charitable Society
• The Journalists’ Charity
• The Stationers’ Foundation
• Unite the Union
• National Union of Journalists Extra

 

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