NewstrAid’s Retailer Support Scheme provides support to victims of shoplifting and retail crime

Earlier this year, industry charity NewstrAid launched a brand-new scheme specifically aimed at providing support to retailers and their staff who work in the sale or distribution of newspapers and magazines in the UK.

Although the scheme cannot help with business debts, it can provide emotional support and financial help when household funds are impacted by a drop in income due to shoplifting or retail crime.

Katie Babooram, Welfare Manager for NewstrAid, said, “We know that shoplifting and retail crime is a massive issue for retailers across the country and we are keen to provide whatever assistance we can through our new Retailer Support Scheme.”

The scheme has already helped numerous retailers who have been victims of crime, to get back on track. This includes Dev, who confronted a shoplifter and was subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse and violently punched as they made their getaway. This hugely impacted his confidence and mental health as well as that of the staff who were present during the attack.

Katie Babooram continued: “Following an incident of shoplifting or retail crime, most shop owners are understandably focused on finding support for the business losses they may have incurred but it is important to acknowledge the emotional impact experiences like this can have on you and your staff. We were happy to help Dev and his staff by giving them access to the resources on our Wellbeing Website and our emotional support helpline which is manned by clinically trained counsellors.”

The Charity also acknowledges that dealing with business debts caused by retail crime can often have a knock-on effect for household finances. Katie Babooram concluded: “If an incident has caused a drop in your household income because, for example, you are dealing with shop closure or cannot work due to personal injury, our Retailer Support Scheme may be able to provide financial support for you and your family.”

For full details of what the Retailer Support Scheme can offer, watch this short video .

Anyone looking for support should call 0800 816 9717 or visit www.newstraid.org.uk/retailer-support-scheme/