History

Age UK North Craven, formerly Age Concern North Craven, was established in 1987 as a result of recognition, in the area that older people had many needs that were not being met by existing services and organisations. Having formed a Management Committee and achieved charitable status, the founders decided to establish a funding base by opening a charity shop in the market town of Settle. This continues as both a popular community hub and significant generator of income to support Age UK North Craven’s services.

The organisation is registered with the Charity Commission No. 1141867 and as a Company Limited by Guarantee no. 7609423

The organisation started by offering social activities, befriending, and a car scheme. These were funded from the organisation’s own resources. In 1992 a Relief Care Service was added and, for the first time, major funding from statutory services was received.

In order to continue to access funding from North Yorkshire County Council, supporting our preventive services for older people, Age UK North Craven has worked with other Age UKs in North Yorkshire under the title REACT (Reaching Everyone Age Concerns Together). As well as channelling our core grant, REACT has won a tender to provide Home from Hospital Services, and Age UK North Craven hosts delivery under this contract to Craven District. It also works closely with Age UK North Yorkshire in order develop and deliver consistent services throughout the Craven District, funded by Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG, and the NYCC Innovation Fund.

Age UK North Craven works closely with Age Concern Hellifield and Age Concern Bentham.

They have remained independent Age Concerns but are linked to the Age UK wider network as Friends of Age UK, and as such Age K North Craven offers advice and guidance to provide support.

In 2011 the organisation became a charitable company limited by guarantee and, as a brand partner of Age UK, changed its name to Age UK North Craven. This status requires the organisation to abide by several conditions, pertaining to acceptable use of the Age UK Brand, and to provide an Information and Advice Service, focusing on welfare benefits, housing options and care choices. The organisation has 13 members of staff working mainly on part-time basis, and benefits from the time given by 180 volunteers. Staff cover roles focused on the smooth running of the organisation (Chief Officer, Finance and Office manager, Volunteer co-ordinator), and on project leadership of the activities below.

In addition to Information and Advice, our services cover the following:
Transport

Shuttles and trips provided by two minibuses

Two voluntary car schemes based in Settle and Bentham/Ingleton providing lifts to health and welfare appointments.
Day activities

Eight clubs operate throughout the area, offering regular social activities, food and companionship, plus a means of keeping in contact with older people in their own localities.

Care and Prevention

Providing Independence Support, linking people with long-term conditions to the services they need and keeping themselves and their carers connected with the communities in which they live. We provide ongoing befriending support to address loneliness and isolation. These services link to our

Throughout its history, Age UK North Craven has undertaken services which support its overarching aim – to promote the well-being of all older people and aim to make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.