NEW AGE UK CHARITY LAUNCHED TO EXPAND SERVICES TO OLDER PEOPLE
Age UK Mid Hampshire says tackling older people’s loneliness and loss of independence are top priorities
Newly formed charity Age UK Mid Hampshire has been launched to expand the range of services available to older people in Winchester, Test Valley, Eastleigh and East Hampshire. Research amongst its users confirms that tackling loneliness and a loss of independence should be its priorities.
The charity has been formed by the merger of Age UK Winchester and Age UK Andover & District and was launched with a presentation at Winchester Discovery Centre on Wednesday 9 December 2015. The charity already supports over 1500 users and intends to expand services to many more vulnerable older people throughout mid Hampshire.
The launch was attended by the Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Iris Andersen and the Deputy Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Jane Rutter. Over fifty of the charity’s users, volunteers and partners from across the NHS, local authorities, businesses and third sector organisations attended.
Dr Linda Edwards, chairman of Age UK Mid Hampshire said, “Age UK Mid Hampshire will build on the good work of its predecessors. Within the ever-changing landscape of health and social care, charities like ours have a unique opportunity to provide the help and support that statutory bodies are unable to provide. Our understanding of what is important to older people and how to provide the support that enables them to live independent, enjoyable lives is a gift we should cherish and nurture.”
The launch coincides with Age UK’s Christmas campaign “No One should have No One”, which highlights the prevalence of loneliness in old age. Research for the charity revealed that more than a million older people have not spoken to a friend, neighbour or family member for over a month. Age UK Mid Hampshire intends to counter loneliness by extending Help at Home scheme and Lunch Clubs throughout the region and developing its befriending and mentoring services.
Mike Simpson, Chief Executive of Age UK Mid Hampshire, said, “We also plan to increase the number of people to whom we give advice on access to benefits, as we know this helps them maintain their independence. Based on our current success rate, we estimate we will help people access over £7 million of payments due to them over the next five years. This is additional money which they will then spend in the local economy.”
It is estimated that Hampshire will have a third more over 85s in 2021 compared to 2014. As people live longer and become more frail, they face an increased likelihood they will lose their independence. The charity will also focus on working in partnership with other organisations to create innovative new services which extend independence, ease hospital bed blocking and support older people as they move home from hospital.
The organisation has offices in Winchester and Andover and outlines all its services on www.ageukmidhampshire.org.uk. Anyone wanting to support Age UK Mid Hampshire should call 01962 871712 or 01264 354425.
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About Age UK Mid Hampshire
Age UK Mid Hampshire is an independent local charity providing support for older people, their families and their carers in Mid Hampshire and the surrounding area. It depends on volunteers, grants, donations, fundraising and the support of the local community. It is affiliated with Age UK, the national charity, and works alongside the Age UK shops.
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