Older people's groups join forces (From Dudley News)

Older people's groups join forces

4:37pm Monday 7th January 2013 in News

OLDER people’s groups in the borough are joining forces with national charity Age UK and Age UK Dudley to make life better for those in their twilight years.

My Time Over Fifties Stourbridge Friendship Centre and Age Concern Sedgley and District have become Friends of Age UK to help link up and further strengthen the opportunities, activities and services for people in later life.

The two groups will work closely with Age UK Dudley and the national charity, the UK’s biggest for older people, to provide support and services for the borough’s elderly.

The groups will also campaign together with the national charity to influence local and national policy to improve later life chances for people across the country.

Sally Huband, Age UK Dudley’s chief officer, said she was “delighted” to welcome the two groups to the Age UK network.

She said: “Our organisations are independent, but in working closer together we can celebrate the great work that volunteers and older people provide in the local community and ensure we all share our skills, knowledge and expertise.

“This will represent a wealth of benefits for people in later life in Dudley borough.”

Hugh Forde, acting director of partner relations at Age UK, said: “By coming together we can achieve so much for older people here and across the country. We look forward to working with the new friends of Age UK in Dudley borough and supporting them in all they do for people in later life.”

The Age UK network aims to give older people a strong voice to share views and experiences.

Friends of Age UK can also access funding grants from Age UK enabling them to broaden services and activities they offer.

Thanks to Age UK’s festive cheer grants, Friends of Age UK were able to organise festive meals for older people in Dudley.

For more information about Age UK Dudley visit website ageukdudley.org.uk or call 01384 354508.