The regular benefit from NewstrAid is awarded three times a year to people who have worked in the sale and distribution of newspapers and magazines, and who need long term support. The couple/family rate of benefit distributed by the charity has been increased by £315 a year over the past two years in direct response to the cost-of-living crisis.

Neil Jagger, NewstrAid chief executive officer, said: “Given the ongoing increase in inflation and the hardship that so many people are facing at the moment, we felt it was essential that we increase the amount we give to our regular beneficiaries again to ensure they can continue to make ends meet.”

Welfare Manager Katie Babooram added: “Every week, we are hearing from people who are continuing to struggle with the cost of living. Increasing the regular benefit amount will offer a bit of extra support to those who are finding it difficult to cope during these challenging times. 

Since 2021, the charity has committed an extra £124,000 to supporting its regular beneficiaries during the economic crisis. In addition, since October 2022, its Cost of Living Crisis Fund has so far supported 179 households with one-off grants to help bridge the gap between income and expenditure.

Find out more about the support NewstrAid offers, and listen to Better Retailing’s podcast with Neil Jagger.