Charity vows they are “still here to help” after significant loss of funding
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin remains committed to supporting older people and is working hard to reassure everyone that its services are still available, despite losing a significant amount of funding from Shropshire Council.
The local charity has received funding from the council for decades to help provide a lifeline for older people in Shropshire including day centres, befriending services and a wide range of activity groups. From the 1 April these services will be delivered by another organisation.
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin will continue to provide the following services, information and advice, Help at Home, Dementia Support and a wide range of activity groups in Telford & Wrekin and south Shropshire.
In addition, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is now calling on the public for urgent financial support as it continues with its 75th Anniversary Fundraising Appeal.
The charity’s Chief Executive, Heather Osborne, said: “It’s important for people to understand that, although the loss of this funding will have a significant impact on us as a small local charity, we are still here and will continue to do everything we can to help older people across Shropshire.
"Last year alone, we helped secure over £5 million in additional benefits income for older residents in the county. These vital services - along with others, such as Help at Home - will continue.”
Ms Osborne also highlighted the wider implications for the charity, saying: “There is no doubt that the loss of this funding will have a significant impact on both our organisation and the services we provide, particularly as we were already struggling to meet growing demand with limited resources. Despite this setback, we remain firmly committed to supporting older people by continuing to offer help and advice wherever we can. We are determined to rebuild from this position and will strengthen our appeals and fundraising efforts to recover as much of the lost income as possible.”
As a result of the council’s decision and the subsequent reduction in funding, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is asking residents, businesses, and community groups to act today by donating and fundraising to help rebuild vital services. Every pound given will be immediately used to protect and deliver essential local services that help older people who are struggling with loneliness and social isolation.
To find out more about how to support Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, share fundraising ideas or explore partnership opportunities, visit ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford/.
