New strategy for Age UK IW makes support in the community its focus

For the past 50 years Age UK IW volunteers have been helping older Island residents, and their families, friends and carers, negotiate life as they age – and it’s the charity’s intention to continue to do this for at least another 50 years.

To achieve this the charity recognised it needed to evolve in order to remain sustainable in the face of a huge increase in demand for its services and a changing economic backdrop.

A new strategy was launched in April this year to make supporting people in the community the focus of the services offered. This has meant reducing the back office functions and re-directing team members to help with frontline services. The most noticeable effect of this has been the closure of the front office to drop-in visitors (you will now need to call or email and a team member will get in touch with you) and the charity, sadly, can no longer complete Attendance Allowance and Blue Badge forms.

This streamlining of resources means that a greater percentage of the donations received can go directly to helping older Island residents and will help ensure that this much-needed independent Island charity can continue to be here for as long as it is needed.

The increase in demand means Age UK IW is always looking for more volunteers and everyone is welcome to get involved. Chief Operating Officer, Maria Bunce said: ‘At some point we will all likely need help with day-to-day life. This is about all of us, right now and in the future and there are lots of ways to get involved: obviously we are always grateful for donations! You can also volunteer, for example for the Good Neighbour Scheme. We also offer Just About You and Daily Respite services that help with day-to-day living for individuals and their carers. Or offering a practical service to the charity itself helps us channel more funds into our service provision. Alternatively, you could join in with one of our many fundraising events that take place throughout the year. Your help will always be much appreciated.’

The charity also recognises that collaboration is key to addressing demand as well as to future-proofing support services. Age UK IW leads the way in developing a joined-up approach to service provision by reaching out to other service providers, such as the NHS and Social Services, or encouraging businesses to adopt age-friendly practices within their own function. The ultimate aim is to create a sound platform of support for all Island residents as they age, whatever their needs, both now and in the future.

Information Release sent to Isle of Wight Media 3 August 2023