The Book Trade Charity: Supporting the People Behind the Pages 

The Book Trade Charity (BTBS) is the UK’s leading welfare charity supporting people who work – or have worked – in the book industry and their families. Since 1837, it has provided practical help, financial assistance and housing to individuals facing hardship across publishing, bookselling, printing, distribution, literary agencies and beyond. Quietly but consistently, the charity acts as a safety net for people within the book world and a springboard for those starting out in the world of books. 

Making a difference: grants in action 
Last year, the charity awarded £276,206 in grants to 177 beneficiaries following 298 applications, helping book-trade families in crisis. From covering household bills, essential furniture and medical aids, to redundancy support, travel and housing needs, BTBS’s grants make a real difference. We also helped 19 new entrants to the trade and provided 61 home and household grants, ensuring that people can stay safe, supported and in their own homes. 

A community that gives back
We are incredibly grateful to the individuals and companies from across the book trade who champion our work. An increasing number of businesses are joining our ‘Annual Giving Programme’, committing a yearly pledge to help fund vital services. Thanks to this generosity, we now receive over £200,000 each year from corporate donors. We also welcome one-off and regular donations from individuals, whether through payroll giving or directly via our website.

A long history of care 
Originally created to help widows and orphans of those in printing and bookselling, the charity’s principle remains: the people who bring books into the world deserve security, dignity and support when life becomes difficult. Today, the charity cares for individuals at every stage of their working life – from early-career colleagues to retirees – as well as their partners and dependants. 

Assistance is available to anyone who works or has worked in the UK book trade, including publishing, bookselling, printing, literary agencies, distribution and freelance roles. The charity helps people facing a variety of personal challenges including, but not limited to, illness, disability, caring responsibilities, domestic abuse, bereavement, redundancy, rising living costs and housing insecurity. 

Our grants 
Financial assistance includes emergency grants, regular monthly support for those on low incomes, and help with essential household costs. These are delivered with discretion and compassion, helping people stabilise their lives without stigma. Each application is confidentially reviewed by a panel, and the charity uses the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s minimum-income guidelines to ensure consistency and effective means-testing for all applicants. The process is straightforward and often starts with a chat. 

Emilia’s story 
Emilia reached out to BTBS after fleeing domestic abuse with limited savings and critical debts looming. The charity helped Emilia cover essential bills during this time. We are so grateful to her for sharing her story: 

“I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible support I received from The Book Trade Charity during one of the darkest times in my life. They helped me cover bills, gave me stability to continue working, and supported me emotionally. Knowing someone truly cared gave me hope and reminded me that kindness still exists. I am now in a safe, affordable home, close to work, and slowly rebuilding my life. I will forever be grateful for their compassion, generosity, and care, which gave me the strength to keep moving forward.” 

The people we help
Our applicants come from all walks of life and span every age group. We assist young people entering the trade with housing and relocation assistance, while also helping working-age colleagues and their families when life takes an unexpected turn. Our support extends to retired colleagues too, ensuring help is there whenever it is needed.

Housing and community 
The charity also offers housing in Hertfordshire and London, giving residents a chance to live independently while being part of a book-trade community. The Retreat in Kings Langley provides self-contained accommodation for over 30 people needing housing for social or economic reasons, with trains providing regular connections to Euston station in central London. Bookbinders Cottages in Oakleigh Park, north London, caters to 25 young people starting their careers alongside older residents. The new development is only 30 minutes from the centre via public transport. 

Patsy, a long-term resident, shares her thoughts: 

“I've lived at The Retreat for 18 years. It's a quiet, peaceful place with a close-knit community. Staff are always helpful, and repairs are dealt with promptly. I really wouldn't want to live anywhere else.” 

These homes provide not only accommodation but also a continued sense of belonging for people who have often dedicated their working lives to the book trade.

A quiet force for good 
Working quietly and confidentially, BTBS delivers real impact. Each year, hundreds of individuals and families receive financial relief, safe housing and renewed stability. In an industry built on stories, The Book Trade Charity protects the real people behind the books – the editors, designers, printers, sellers, packers, drivers and freelancers responsible for bringing those pages to life. When life hits, the charity ensures that no one in the book trade faces hardship alone. 

Vic Perry is Chief Executive of BTBS. For more information and to support BTBS’s work, visit www.btbs.org or contact her on . 

To find out about BTBS’s grants or vacancies at The Retreat and Bookbinders Cottages, contact Glenda Barnard, Operations Director, on 01923 263128 or .