Our History

Our charity has existed as various charitable entities supporting local older people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland since 1952. We became Age Concern in 1971 and then joined with Help the Aged in 2009 to become a brand partner in the Age UK network.

1941 - The National Older Persons Welfare Committee (NOPWC) was formed to address the hardship and poverty that became apparent for older persons during the Second World War.

1950s-60s - With the advent of the welfare state, government funding became available to fund work with older people. The NOPWC coordinated and facilitated work of an increasing number of committees.

1971 - The NOPWC became independent of government funding. Local groups took on the charity name of Age Concern or Help the Aged.

1984 - The first Help the Aged shop opened selling second hand goods.

2000s - Age Concern groups came together to work as a federation. Age Concern England supported local groups with nationwide policy and campaigning. Local Age Concern / Help the Aged groups remained independent and autonomous.

April 2009 - Age Concern England and Help the Aged joined together to create a new charity dedicated to improving later life for everyone.

April 2010 - The merged charity was rebranded as Age UK.