Some 629 current or former licensed trade employees sought help for themselves or family members from the LTC in 2010 (up from 301 in 2004), of which more than half were of working age.
To better target its support, the LTC has commissioned research to identify the issues likely to affect those working in the licensed drinks trade over the next decade. And as a result of the Future Proof survey, it has refocused its direct service efforts on three areas of growing concern: building independence for individuals of working age; helping young people outside education and employment into work; and befriending isolated elderly people.
Other issues highlighted in the research included long-term health problems, poor housing conditions, disability and debt. A revamped website — www.supportandcare.org — and a dedicated telephone helpline will provide a comprehensive information resource to deal with these problems.
Liz Gaffer, LTC director of marketing and charity services, said: “Our research brought us to a new, broader perspective on those who could benefit from our support and the issues they’re likely to face in the years ahead. Issues that are life-changing, not currently being supported elsewhere and likely to increase in the future.”
Gaffer appealed to pubcos and brewers to support to the charity’s mission — whether through helping to reach people in need, providing volunteers, fundraising or offering work placements. She cited the Yummy Pub Co, which has taken pupils from the LTC’s school for children with learning difficulties in Hassocks, West Sussex, on work experience.
The LTC has changed the qualifying criteria for support from three to five years’ industry service — “ensuring help is focused on those who have shown a commitment to the licensed trade”.