A Gift of Gratitude: £10,000 Donation Helps Older People Across Hampshire

Sometimes, practical help at the right moment can make an enormous difference. 

For one Hampshire couple, support with benefit application forms brought financial relief during a deeply difficult period. 

Now, that kindness has inspired a generous gift to help others.

An anonymous husband has donated £10,000 to Age Concern Hampshire after his wife received help from the charity’s free Form Filling Service last year, while her health was deteriorating.

Working with a volunteer, the couple discovered they were entitled to benefits they had not realised they could claim. The additional money made a real difference as they faced the challenges of her declining health.

Sadly, his wife has since died. In recognition of the support they received, her husband wanted to give something back, helping the charity continue its work with older people and families throughout Hampshire.

The donation is eligible for Gift Aid, meaning Age Concern Hampshire expects to claim an additional £2,500 at no extra cost to the donor. That would bring the total value of his gift to £12,500.

Brogan Rehill, the charity’s Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Community Impact, described the donation as incredibly significant for a local organisation. She said the story behind it was particularly moving, demonstrating the lasting impact that staff and volunteers can have on people’s lives.

It is a reminder that support does not always need to be complicated to be life-changing. Having someone explain an unfamiliar process, identify possible entitlements and help complete paperwork can ease a considerable burden.

For older people coping with illness, disability or bereavement, official forms can feel daunting. Families and carers may also struggle to find their way through the system while managing other responsibilities.

Age Concern Hampshire’s Information & Advice service, including its free Form Filling Service, helps people understand available support. Assistance includes forms for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Pension Credit and Blue Badge applications.

The independent local charity also offers practical, social and wellbeing services, including Later Life & Dementia Day Care, Help at Home, Foot Care, social groups and digital support.

Its aim is to help older people live well, maintain independence and remain connected to their communities.

Donations, fundraising, grants and volunteers all help sustain this work. This husband’s thoughtful gift will enable support to reach more people when they need it.

To learn more about services, volunteering or making a donation, visit Age Concern Hampshire’s website and explore how you could help. https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk