Age UK Somerset calls for community views to shape new dementia support programme

Age UK Somerset is calling on people across Somerset to complete a short survey to share their views and help shape the development of a new Dementia Wellbeing and Connection Programme.

Initially focusing on the Sedgemoor area, the proposed programme aims to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and help people living with dementia, and those who care for them, remain connected within their local communities.

The programme would bring together a range of support, including a Dementia Choir offering opportunities for music and social connection, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) groups and a 1-to-1 home-based CST programme.

The home-based support is intended to help people who may be unable to attend group sessions because of mobility difficulties, limited transport or rural isolation. Transport provision is also being considered as part of the programme.

Age UK Somerset recognises people affected by dementia can face significant challenges when trying to access support, particularly in rural communities where transport and local provision may be limited.

To ensure the programme reflects local needs, the charity has launched a community survey and is particularly keen to receive responses from people living with dementia, carers and family members, professionals supporting people affected by dementia, and local community organisations.

Feedback gathered through the survey will directly influence the development of the programme and will also help Age UK Somerset strengthen funding applications to bring the proposed support to life.

People across Somerset are encouraged to complete the survey and share it with others who may have valuable experiences or views to contribute.

The survey can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/DementiaServicesSurvey

Alternatively you can call the Dementia Services team at the charity on 01823 345613.

Age UK East Sussex and Charles Hunt Centre join forces to strengthen support for older people in Hailsham

Age UK East Sussex and Hailsham's Charles Hunt Centre in have joined together in a new partnership to strengthen support for older people in the local community while preserving the centre’s much-loved identity.

The Charles Hunt Centre is a long-established social hub for people aged over 55, offering freshly prepared lunches, activities and a welcoming space for people to connect. 

Built through community effort and support, the centre continues to play an important role in bringing people together in Hailsham.

By joining Age UK East Sussex, the centre will benefit from increased resilience and access to wider county-wide services, including information and advice, befriending and specialist support. 

There will be no immediate changes to day-to-day services, and the centre will continue to operate as usual for its members.

Sally Stanton, Centre Manager at the Charles Hunt Centre, told That's Health: “We’re really proud of what the Charles Hunt Centre means to our members and the local community. This partnership is an exciting step forward and will help ensure the centre continues to thrive. 

"It will allow us to build on what we already do so well, providing friendship, support and a welcoming place for people over 55, while opening up new opportunities for the future.”

Steve Hare, Chief Executive of Age UK East Sussex, added: “The Charles Hunt Centre is a fantastic example of a community-led service that makes a real diference to people’s lives, locally. 

We are delighted to welcome the centre into Age UK East Sussex. By working together, we can strengthen support in and around Hailsham and ensure the centre continues to provide vital services for many years to come.”

The Charles Hunt Centre will continue to offer its regular programme of activities, including weekday lunches, social sessions and specialist services such as foot health and hearing support clinics.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting older people to stay connected, active and independent, and to ensuring that local community services remain strong and sustainable.

For more information about the Charles Hunt Centre, call 01323 844398.

For more information about Age UK East Sussex, visit www.ageukeastsussex.org.uk.

New Age UK East Sussex charity shop opens in the heart of Eastbourne

Age UK East Sussex has officially opened a new charity shop in Langney Road, providing a welcoming new space for the community to shop, donate and support older people across the county.

Located in Langney Road, the new shop offers a wide range of quality clothing, books, household goods and other pre-loved items, all raising vital funds to support the charity’s work with older people in East Sussex.

The opening was marked by a visit from the The Worshipful the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Margaret Bannister, alongside representatives from Age UK East Sussex, volunteers and members of the local community.

“It’s wonderful to be here to help celebrate the opening of Age UK East Sussex’s new shop. This is a positive step for the charity and for the many older people across our community who will benefit from its work.”

Supporting older people across East Sussex

Age UK East Sussex is a local, independent charity that has been supporting older people in the community for over 75 years. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, the charity delivers services, activities and advice that make a real difference to people in later life.

The charity supports thousands of older people each year, helping to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing and enable people to live independently for as long as possible.

A shop with a purpose

The new Eastbourne shop is one of five charity shops and two furniture stores across the county that are run by Age UK East Sussex. As well as offering great value items, the shop plays an important role in funding the charity’s frontline services and creating opportunities for volunteering in the local area.

“I was so happy when I saw that this new shop was looking for volunteers. I applied straight away as I’ve been out of work for a while and wanted to build my confidence again,” said one new volunteer. “So far it has been everything I hoped it would be. The team are lovely and the customers are friendly. It’s done so much for me already.”

Get involved – Volunteer with them!

Age UK East Sussex is inviting local people to get involved by volunteering at the new Eastbourne shop.

There are a variety of roles available to suit different interests and availability - from welcoming customers and serving on the shop floor, to sorting donations and preparing stock behind the scenes. 

Whether someone can spare a few hours a week or more regular time, there is something for everyone.

Volunteering with Age UK East Sussex is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and be part of a friendly team - all while helping to raise vital funds to support older people across East Sussex.

Anyone interested in volunteering can speak to the team in store, call 01273 476704, or email volunteers@ageukeastsussex.org.uk to find out more.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/eastsussex

Age UK East Sussex Launches Appeal to Support Digitally-Excluded Older People

“Ensuring No One Is Left Behind” – New appeal launches to support the growing number of older people struggling to access digital-only systems to get the help they need.

Imagine your mum, grandad, or a neighbour you care about needing essential support, but the only way to get this is via an online form and they have no internet.

Or perhaps they’re hard of hearing and stuck with a voice-recognition phone system that can’t understand them. Or partially sighted and expected to complete an essential medical form on a tiny phone screen.

For many older people in East Sussex, this isn’t a future worry. It’s happening right now.

As local councils and services shift to online-only applications for vital benefits such as Attendance Allowance and the Blue Badge, Age UK East Sussex is experiencing a surge in older people urgently needing help. 

Without digital access, or systems designed for accessibility, or just the confidence to face a barrage of passwords and automations, many are facing overwhelming barriers to the support they need to stay independent.

As a result Age UK East Sussex has launched its new appeal, “Ensuring No One Is Left Behind,” running from now until the end of January, to raise £25,000 to meet this growing need.

Older people are being left behind - and demand for help is soaring

The charity’s Information & Advice service is receiving more requests than ever from people who simply cannot navigate online-only systems. What should be routine applications can feel stressful, frightening, and often impossible for those without digital skills, smart devices, or access to the internet.

This sharp rise in demand follows changes to application processes across the county - leaving many older people unable to apply for the benefits they are eligible for without specialist support.

The dedicated I&A team is now working against a three-month waiting list, and staff fear that with such a long wait, more older people will continue to go without the support they need.

Why Age UK East Sussex is asking for support

Funds raised through this appeal will go directly towards:

Recruiting and training additional advisors and volunteers

Providing more one-to-one appointment slots

Covering essential running costs of the Information & Advice service

(including telephone support, outreach visits, and in-person appointments)

These additional resources will help ensure older people get the help to apply for what they need - safely, confidently, and without long delays.

Steve Hare, CEO, Age UK East Sussex told That's Health: “We hear from people every day who are desperate and worn down by systems they simply can’t access. These aren’t luxuries - they’re essential services that help people stay cared for and independent.

"No one should be left without support because they don’t have a laptop or can’t use a smart phone. With the backing of our community, we can reach people sooner, reduce waiting times, and make sure every older person in East Sussex can apply for the support they need.”

How you can help

Age UK East Sussex is calling on local residents, businesses, and community groups to come together to support the appeal.

Please visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/eastsussex /staying human for more information 

Even a small donation can help an older person begin their journey to accessing the benefits and support they need.