Age UK Northumberland

Age UK Northumberland is a local independent charity dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of people aged over 50 in and around the county of Northumberland. The charity aims to empower older individuals to enjoy a fulfilling and enjoyable later life.

Mission and Activities

Age UK Northumberland provides a wide range of services that cater to the diverse needs of older adults. These include free information, advice, and advocacy to help individuals navigate social care, income, legal issues, and home adaptations. The advice services are designed to be free, confidential, impartial, and independent, supporting not only individuals but also their families, carers, and organizations.

The charity also offers home support services such as personal care, shopping, cleaning, and gardening, which are aimed at enabling older people to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes. Additionally, Age UK Northumberland operates day centres and lunch clubs across the county, providing opportunities for socialization, companionship, and participation in various activities.

Furthermore, the charity organizes group activities at its facilities, including exercise classes and educational workshops. These activities encourage social engagement, health improvement, and skill acquisition, aligning with the charity's vision of promoting enjoyable later life.

Governance and Operations

Age UK Northumberland is governed by a Board of local Trustees, who oversee the strategic direction of the charity. The day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and the Senior Leadership Team. The charity has a workforce of over 250 employees and benefits from the contribution of about 100 volunteers. One employee receives a salary in the range of £70,000 to £80,000.

The charity has achieved the Age UK Charity Quality Standard, a testament to its commitment to excellence in service delivery and its adherence to high standards of charity governance.

History and Registration

Age UK Northumberland was registered on November 11, 1998, initially as Age Concern Northumberland. It was later rebranded as part of the broader Age UK network. The charity operates under the registration number 1072394 with the Charity Commission, focusing on general charitable purposes, education/training, and the welfare of the elderly.

Governance Policies

The charity has a robust framework of policies, including those related to bullying and harassment, conflicts of interest, complaints handling, internal charity financial controls, risk management, safeguarding, and volunteer management. These policies ensure that the charity maintains transparency and accountability in its operations.

Age UK Northumberland continues to play a vital role in supporting older adults in Northumberland, offering comprehensive services that enhance their quality of life and well-being.

[1] https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northumberland/about-us/ [2] https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northumberland/ [3] https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northumberland/our-services/information-and-advice-fde03429-659d-ed11-9ac4-0003ff32e812/ [4] https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northumberland/our-services/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3949006/full-print