From Help the Aged to Age UK: A History of the Merger
The merger of Help the Aged and Age Concern England, two prominent UK charities for older people, was initiated in May 2008 and officially formed a new charity on April 1, 2009. The new brand name, Age UK, was launched in April 2010 after operating temporarily as “Age Concern and Help the Aged”. This merger aimed to create a stronger, unified entity to advocate for and serve older people across the UK, addressing issues such as poverty, isolation, and discrimination more effectively. The move also sought to improve operational efficiency.
The Mission of Age UK
Age UK works to enhance the well-being of older people, helping them live fulfilling lives and ensuring their voices are heard. Combining the resources and expertise of the former organisations, Age UK provides various services, including information, advice, befriending, and campaigns against issues like fuel poverty and age discrimination. Age Co, its commercial arm, contributes profits to the charity's mission.
Local vs. National Organisations
While the national bodies merged to form Age UK, not all local Age Concern charities joined the new national brand. Many independent local Age Concerns continue to operate separately, some rebranding as Age UK partners, while others keep their original names. Therefore, while Age UK is the national brand, local services are delivered by a mix of related and distinct organisations.
Age UK vs. Former Charities: A Comparison
| Feature | Help the Aged (Pre-2009) | Age Concern England (Pre-2009) | Age UK (Post-2010) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | International and UK focus on disadvantaged older people. | National focus on England with local bodies. | Unified national UK charity. |
| Structure | Single national organisation with research arm. | Federation of independent local charities. | Single national entity with regional bodies. |
| Scope | Strong campaigning focus. | Wide range of local and national services. | Expansive services and advocacy. |
| Funding | Donations and financial services initiatives. | Membership fees, donations, legacies. | Donations, legacies, grants, Age Co profits. |
The Impact of the Rebranding
The rebranding to Age UK aimed to modernize the organisation's image and broaden its appeal. The launch included a high-profile advertising campaign, seeking to promote a positive view of later life.
Key Regional and International Branches
The merger also led to the creation of regional charities: Age Scotland, Age Cymru (Wales), and Age NI (Northern Ireland). An international charity, Age International, was formed for global work.
The Ongoing Legacy and Future
Age UK continues the work of its predecessors, supporting older people through consolidated and efficient efforts. The organisation remains dedicated to addressing the needs of the aging population.
Conclusion
Help the Aged's new name is Age UK, following its 2009 merger with Age Concern England. This merger created a single entity to advocate for older people in the UK. Age UK combines the missions of both former charities, offering extensive services and advocacy, while regional charities serve Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Some local Age Concerns remain independent.
