UK printer makes double commitment to charitable causes

This has seen Watermill Press pledge to support Bradford Central Foodbank for as long as the service is needed in the city.

The label manufacturer has been providing the Trussell Trust’s Bradford Central Foodbank with a regular monthly income since October 2014. Now, the firm has committed to permanently supporting the charity that operates in central Bradford from The Light Church.

Watermill Press’ support comes at a time when demand for the foodbank from people in central Bradford has increased by 25 percent since last year. Nationally in the UK more than one million people relied on emergency food support from Trussell Trust foodbanks in 2014, with over 5,500 people helped in Bradford and receiving three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced food. More sponsors are currently being sought.

Watermill Press has also signed up to be the main sponsor of a charity event being held in support of homeless young people in the city. Organized by Centrepoint, the Sleep Out event is taking place on November 12 at The Provident Stadium, the home of the Bradford Bulls rugby league club. Participants are asked to swap their bed for a sleeping bag and spend the night sleeping in the stands at the ground.

Dale Deacon, managing director of Watermill Press, said: ‘We are delighted to support this fantastic local event. Our business was founded and has operated successfully for over 20 years in Bradford. It’s a pleasure to continue supporting our local community and to do what we can to try and help these vulnerable young people to build a better future.

‘Having taken part in last year’s event, I would definitely recommend some thick sheets of cardboard and a decent sleeping bag.’

Faye Edmondson, regional fundraising manager for Centrepoint, said: ‘We’re delighted to have Watermill Press on board as our main sponsor. Its support has enabled us to reduce the cost of registration to just £20 per person this year.

‘We hope this lower registration cost will encourage more people from Bradford and the surrounding areas to come and experience this unique event. Shockingly we receive between 8-10 new referrals each week from homeless young people needing support and accommodation in the Bradford area. We rely on the support of the local community and business network to raise the funds we need to provide the vital services that ensure young people are able to live independent futures.

‘Centrepoint’s annual Sleep Out event is one of the ways we raise those vital funds. And while Sleep Out doesn’t replicate what it’s like to be homelessness, it does give you a better idea of some of the challenges faced by the nearly 20 percent of our young people who have been forced to sleep rough in Bradford.

‘We’re very grateful for the support of Watermill Press and look forward to building on the success of the 2014 Sleep Out event by welcoming more people and hopefully raising even more money to support homeless young people in Bradford this year.’

Of its support of Bradford Central Foodbank, Watermill Press print director Sandra Carr said: ‘We are proud to support the essential work of Bradford Central Foodbank and have pledged to continue supporting the Trussell Trust for as long as foodbanks are required in our city.

‘It is depressing that such services are needed but while we have been trying to help out it is also inspiring to see the wonderful volunteers and staff at Bradford Central Foodbank working so hard to alleviate people’s suffering.’

‘Our business also works closely with the Centrepoint charity that supports young homeless people in Bradford,’ Carr added, ‘and, unfortunately, we see the same sort of pressures affecting young people who become homeless.’