Local Charities in Merger Talks

Age UK Brighton and Hove and Age UK East Sussex are reviewing the possibility of merging the two charities in order to create a larger, more sustainable organisation supporting older people across the whole of East Sussex. 

The two charities already have a successful history of working together through charity shops in the Brighton and Hove area and a merger would further strengthen this partnership.

The changing landscape for Health and Social Care, commissioning, statutory funding and provision of statutory services means that the Voluntary Sector will need to be working more closely together in the future in order to provide services and so a merger such as this could be a natural progression.

A merger would provide the best possible support for older people locally, combining resources, expertise and assets and creating a larger, more sustainable organisation for the future.  This would also mean that more of the funds raised by the charities can be invested in supporting older people within East Sussex.

Simon Dowe, Interim Chief Executive at Age UK Brighton and Hove said:

“In the current climate, a merger with Age UK East Sussex would make perfect sense. Not only would it mean we can continue to support older people in Brighton and Hove, it would also mean sharing resources, pooling of knowledge and expertise and gaining efficiencies so we could continue to be there for older people locally whenever they need us.”

Steve Hare, Chief Executive at Age UK East Sussex said:

“We’re delighted to be talking with Age UK Brighton and Hove with a view to creating a more sustainable, robust organisation which would be there for older people throughout East Sussex for many years to come.

Both organisations have huge strengths and have a proven history of working well together in the past.  We would be bringing together expertise and resources which would ensure the best possible help, support and representation for older people in the future.”

Age UK Brighton and Hove and Age UK East Sussex are brand partners of Age UK national, but currently exist as separate legal entities, each with their own Board of Trustees and limited companies.

Last year alone, Age UK Brighton and Hove helped over 5,000 older people in the city, tackling a range of issues like poverty, social care and loneliness. The charity provides information, advice and services for those who need help or support.

In 2017/18, 16,240 older people throughout East Sussex were supported by Age UK East Sussex and 41,915 episodes of care took place.  2018/19 is likely to see an increase in these numbers due to new services being offered, the development of more innovative ways of working and new sources of funding having been obtained.