Understanding the Merger: From Age Concern to Age UK
For many years, Age Concern was a well-known charity supporting older people in the UK. However, the organization underwent a significant transformation [3]. On April 1, 2009, Age Concern England merged with Help the Aged to form a new national charity, Age UK, which officially launched in April 2010 [2, 6]. This merger aimed to create a stronger, more unified voice for older people nationally [2].
Why the Name Changed
The decision to merge and change the name was influenced by several factors [3, 5]:
- The term 'Concern' in Age Concern was perceived as outdated and potentially condescending, suggesting old age was a problem. The new name sought to reflect a more positive view of later life [3, 5].
- Combining Age Concern England and Help the Aged into one brand, Age UK, aimed to simplify public understanding and strengthen national presence [2, 6].
- The organization wanted to expand beyond addressing hardship to providing comprehensive support for enjoying later life, which the new name and brand better represented [3].
The Status of Local Age Concern Branches
While the national body became Age UK, many local Age Concern organizations were independent charities [3, 1]. The merger didn't automatically integrate them all [3].
Options for Local Organizations
- Becoming an Age UK Partner: Many local groups affiliated with the new Age UK network, operating under the Age UK name in their local area (e.g., Age UK West Sussex) [1, 3]. They benefit from national resources while remaining independent locally [3].
- Staying Independent: Some local charities chose not to join Age UK to maintain full autonomy. They might still use the Age Concern name (e.g., Age Concern Luton) or have adopted entirely new names (e.g., Tapestry, formerly Age Concern Havering) [3, 5].
It's important to check the status of your local organization to know whether it's part of the Age UK network or an independent entity [3].
Comparing the National Entities
| Feature | Age Concern England (Pre-2009) | Age UK (Post-2009) |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Evolved from the National Old People's Welfare Committee (NOPWC) [3]. | Formed by the merger of Age Concern England and Help the Aged in 2009 [2, 6]. |
| Focus | Primarily focused on welfare issues [3]. | Expanded focus on improving all aspects of later life, promoting independence and wellbeing [3]. |
| National Structure | A federation of independent local charities [3]. | A single national charity with affiliated local partners [3]. |
| Branding | Used the Age Concern name, with local variations possible [3]. | The Age UK brand, with a consistent national identity [3]. |
| Audience Perception | Centred on 'concern', potentially seen as reactive [3, 5]. | More proactive, positive brand focusing on opportunity [3, 5]. |
The Impact of the Change
The merger into Age UK marked a significant step in how support for older people is organized in the UK [3]. The change aimed to modernize the brand and broaden the scope of services [3]. While the national name is now Age UK, the legacy of Age Concern lives on through Age UK and independent local groups [3]. Understanding this history helps in finding the right support [3]. For more details on the national organization's history, you can visit Age UK's official website. The shift from 'concern' to a focus on empowerment reflects a broader change in societal views on aging [3].
