The original organization, Age Concern England, was formed from the National Old People's Welfare Committee (NOPWC) in 1971. Its establishment was a response to the growing awareness of the challenges faced by older people in society, moving beyond simply relieving extreme poverty to advocating for broader needs and interests. Since then, the movement has championed positive ageing, striving to make later life a valued and fulfilling experience for everyone.
The fundamental pillars of the Age Concern aim
The mission of Age Concern has always been built upon several key objectives that form the foundation of its work with and for older people. While local organizations may have specific priorities tailored to their communities, these core aims are universally shared:
- Empowering Older People: Providing accessible, clear, and valuable information and advice to help seniors understand their rights and make informed choices about their lives. This includes support with benefits, housing, and legal issues.
- Promoting Well-being and Independence: Delivering services and activities that enhance the health and well-being of older people. This ranges from day care centres and befriending services to practical home-care support, all designed to enable happier and healthier ageing.
- Reducing Isolation and Loneliness: Many Age Concern groups run initiatives aimed at connecting older people with their communities through social hubs, cafes, and befriending schemes, helping to combat the pervasive issue of social isolation.
- Influencing Policy and Advocating for Rights: Campaigning on important issues that affect the elderly, such as ageism, healthcare access, and financial stability. By advocating for older people's voices to be heard, they seek to influence local and national policies.
Age Concern vs. Age UK: The significant merger explained
In 2009, a major restructuring occurred in the UK's charitable landscape for older people. Age Concern England and the charity Help the Aged announced their merger, forming the national entity known as Age UK. This strategic move was intended to create a larger, more powerful organization with a unified voice to champion the cause of older people across the country. The merger officially launched in 2010 with a rebrand to Age UK.
The independence of local Age Concern organizations
Crucially, the merger did not absorb all local Age Concern charities. While many local branches adopted the Age UK brand and became brand partners, a significant number of others chose to remain independent. These independent charities still operate under the Age Concern name and continue to serve their local communities, often with strong local identity and tailored services. This means that when seeking help, it's important to recognize whether you are engaging with the national Age UK brand or a local, independent Age Concern group.
Comparison of local Age Concern and national Age UK aims
| Feature | Local, Independent Age Concern | National Age UK (incorporating former Age Concern England) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Highly specific and tailored to the local community's needs and priorities. | Broader, national focus on policy, campaigns, and overall strategic direction. |
| Funding | Primarily dependent on local fundraising efforts, grants, and donations. | Supported by national fundraising campaigns, retail income (Age Co), and larger grants. |
| Service Delivery | Direct, community-based services such as day centres, befriending, and specific local support programs. | Provides national services like advice lines, but mostly supports the network of local partners and campaigns nationally. |
| Campaigning | Focuses on influencing local authorities and regional policy affecting their specific area. | Leads large-scale national campaigns and lobbies government on behalf of older people nationwide. |
| Structure | Operates as a completely separate, autonomous registered charity. | Acts as a central body coordinating and supporting a network of local brand partners, but is legally distinct from independent Age Concerns. |
How local Age Concerns achieve their goals
Independent Age Concerns work to meet their aims through various practical measures:
- Running Community Hubs: Providing physical spaces where older people can meet, socialize, and access services, helping to reduce loneliness.
- Offering Direct Support Services: Many organizations have hands-on services like home care, gardening help, or transportation to appointments.
- Providing Information and Advice: A core service is offering expert guidance on a wide range of issues, from financial entitlements to legal matters, ensuring older people can navigate complex systems.
- Utilizing Volunteers: Volunteers are the lifeblood of many local Age Concerns, assisting with everything from befriending and tea parties to administrative tasks.
Conclusion
The answer to what is age concern aim is multifaceted due to its history and the existence of independent local charities. Fundamentally, the mission is to ensure older people live fulfilling, independent, and respected lives. While the national body merged to become Age UK, the spirit of the original Age Concern lives on through numerous independent local organizations. These local groups continue to be a vital source of support, advice, and companionship, directly serving the needs of older people in their specific communities and championing their rights. The work ensures that even in later life, individuals can retain their dignity and independence, feeling valued and connected within society.
How to find your local Age Concern or Age UK partner
To find the organization that serves your area, you can use the official Age UK website locator. Simply enter your postcode to find contact details for either a local, independent Age Concern or an Age UK brand partner that serves your community.
Key takeaways
- Core Aims: The primary aim is to promote the well-being, independence, and dignity of older people.
- Merger History: Age Concern England and Help the Aged merged in 2009 to form the national charity Age UK.
- Independent Local Groups: Many local Age Concern charities chose not to join Age UK and remain independent, serving their specific communities.
- Key Services: Services include information and advice, befriending, community hubs, and practical home support.
- Advocacy Role: Organizations also campaign against ageism and influence policy affecting older people at both local and national levels.
- Localised Support: The structure means that the exact services and focus depend on whether you are engaging with an independent local Age Concern or a local Age UK brand partner.
