AGE UK in Redditch and Bromsgrove is working on a radical new plan to play its part in making north Worcestershire a better place to grow old.
Across the two towns there are more than 68,000 people aged 50 and over with the county as a whole having a higher than average aging population.
“With an increasing ageing population, funding cuts and pressures on health and social care, these are challenging times,” said Alison Schofield, chief executive of Age UK, Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest.
“The need for support has never been greater which is why we have been reviewing our services, while making sure we are in a sustainable position to meet the increased demand.”
Although Age UK is a national brand, local services are paid for locally through grants and from the charity’s popular shops.
“As we age, our need for reliable information about health, money, entitlement and services becomes increasingly important which is why our Information and Advice service remains a core part of what we do,” said Alison.
“We know being able to live independently at home is a key priority for people, which is why we are currently in the process of reviewing our existing Help at Home, Handyman and Gardening services, with a view to launching a new integrated service in early 2018.”
Age UK marketing officer Jo Hughes added the charity is a two-way process too, and encouraged people to get in touch.
“We need more volunteers, people who can offer support or advice, who can help run classes or with befriending, or who can support our shops or fund raising,” she said. “Sometimes it is about empowering people.”
The current range of services includes: Information and sdvice, Handyperson and Gardening, Help at Home, Footcare, Befriending, Care Calls, Wheelchair Loan plus a variety of community-based activities.
