You may recognise the household name of Age UK, but did you realise we have had our own independent and local charity here in York for over 50 years — introducing Age UK York . They support our communities each day, by providing a range of services, speak up on behalf of older people, and run four highstreet charity shops which raise funds vital in making possible their local work. Read on to learn more!
While Age UK York are part of a national charity network, their sole focus is in our community — on making York a safer and friendlier place for our older and more isolated residents.
Their Chief Executive Simon Holmes told Your Local Link, “We are local, we’re independent, and we’re here for you. Every penny people give us goes straight back into services right here in the city. Our aim is to be the first point of call for anyone with an age-related need in York.”
They connect isolated elderly people at social clubs, combat issues like pensioner poverty by providing vital advice on how to access benefits, support people to live independently at home, and act as a voice for the issues that matter most by lobbying politicians and government groups to initiate change.
What they do in York:
Information and Advice: They have an expert team at hand who are ready and available to answer and solve queries. Last year Age UK York helped people access benefits totalling over £1 million that would have otherwise been left unclaimed. Contact Age UK York at firstcall@ageukyork.org.uk or on 01904 634061.
Befriending: They provide services to combat against social isolation and loneliness by matching up volunteers with lonely older people.
Keep your pet: Age UK York offer a free donation-funded service in which they can look after or even foster pets for a period of time while their owner may be in hospital or are unable to temporarily care for their pet due to a health-related need. All fosterers are vetted, the process includes a home inspection.
Care at home: Age UK York do everything possible to support elderly people to continue to live at home as they age. Last year their team made just shy of 17,000 visits to people across our York community
Fundraising and Volunteering
Taking Age UK York’s social groups as an example —for older people, the chance to meet with people of a similar age over a cup of coffee can be the backbone of their social calendar— and yet the groups themselves are almost entirely reliant on the generosity of volunteers, alongside a small team of dedictaed staff. If you do have a few spare hours every week and are able to help out as an Age UK York volunteer, your work could make the world of difference in reducing social isolation in York.
Age UK York still have fundraising places available for the Yorkshire Marathon this October— which guarantees you free entry if you’re able to raise £250 for the charity— alternatively you can start with something as simple spending a few pounds in a charity shop, or kindly donating items to sell. All the money raised at the four local shops (Bishy Road, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Fossgate) in the city is put back into local services in York.
Age UK York’s Upcoming Events:
21 September – 6 October
York 50+ Festival. Age UK York are a main supporter for this celebration of the older community in York. There will be hundreds of sessions all over the city.
23 September
Planning for Later Life, The Marriott Room at York Library. 9.30am-1pm.
Every first wednesday of the month
Westfield Wednesdays for the Over 60s. Acomb Methodist Church, Front Street. 1.30-3pm. Go along and enjoy hot drinks, biscuits, a chat and a quiz.
For more information about any of the upcoming events or to learn more about how Age UK York can help you, contact them on 01904 627995, at ageukyork@ageukyork.org.uk, www.ageuk.org.uk/york
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