About us
We're a local charity working in the community to support older people, their families and carers. We want everyone to be able to love later life.
Who we are
Age UK Maidstone and Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge merged on the 31st August 2023, creating a unified organisation committed to better serving our older clients and expanding our impact on the older people in the communities we serve. This merger follows a rich history of service by both organisations.
Age UK Maidstone, an independent local non-profit charity, has been dedicated to assisting older people for 50 years since its founding in 1957 as Maidstone Older People's Welfare Committee.
Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, also independent local charities, have a history dating back to 1947. Originally starting as members of the Old People's Welfare Committee, they later adopted the name Age Concern in 1971. In 2010, both organisations embraced the nationwide merger of Age Concern and Help the Aged, forming the powerful organisation Age UK. While Sevenoaks became Age UK Sevenoaks & District, Tonbridge chose to remain as Age Concern. The changing landscape in public services led to their merger in 2011, resulting in the formation of Age UK Sevenoaks Tonbridge & District, operating under the working title 'Age UK Sevenoaks & Tonbridge.
Where you can find us
What we do
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We give advice
Our trained advisors offer free information and advice to older people and their families. In 2022/23, our Sevenoaks and Tonbridge office assisted over 4,000 individuals in accessing our Information & Advice support service. Additionally, £1,897,558 in benefits were awarded to 722 individuals who received support in making benefits claims.
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We offer home help
Our our Independent Living Support workers provide practical assistance with household tasks to enable older people to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible.We want to enable more people to maintain their independence in their own home by providing trusted, person-centred help and support.
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We befriend
At Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, we know how essential it is to talk, listen and share with someone we can trust. That's why our Befriending Service is crucial to our local initiatives.
In March 2023 alone, our dedicated team of 50 volunteer Befrienders made a total of 170 visits and phone calls, embodying the commitment to fostering meaningful connections within our community.
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We provide activities
At our day centre's, we have an array of vibrant activity groups and exciting events. From delightful lunch clubs to invigorating exercise classes, we provide older individuals with the perfect chance to stay active, socialise, and even pick up a new skill.
