Our history

History of Age Cymru

1940s

The Old People’s Welfare Committee for Wales was set up in 1947, as part of the National Council of Social Service, with the aim of supporting older people in Wales.

This was the organisation that later became Age Concern Cymru.

1950s

The Old People’s Welfare Committee for Wales provides building grants for club premises.

Welsh Older People’s Week was inaugurated by the Old People’s Welfare Committee in 1953.

1960s

The Help the Aged Refugees Appeal was set up in 1961 by Cecil Jackson-Cole in response to the needs of older refugees in countries such as Yugoslavia, Bangladesh and Rwanda.

The Old People’s Welfare Committee changes its name to Care for the Elderly in 1962, and then the Committee for the Welfare of the Elderly in Wales.

The Committee for the Welfare of the Elderly in Wales becomes the National Council for the Care of the Elderly in Wales/Cyngor Cenedlaethol Henoed Cymru in 1969.

1970s

Help the Aged becomes an independent charity in 1973.

During the 1970s, Age Concern Wales/Cyngor Henoed Cymru develops a range of pioneering projects, including good neighbour schemes in Mid Glamorgan and a hospital discharge service scheme in West Glamorgan.

Age Concern Wales becomes and independent charity in 1976.

In 1977 Help the Aged (Trading) Ltd was launched to raise funds through commercial activities.

1980s

Age Concern Wales launches three pilot projects – a counselling service, a hospital discharge service and an action against crime initiative in Cardiff in the early 80s, with funding from the Manpower Services Commission.

A staff member from Age Concern Wales is seconded to Age Concern Gwent in 1981 and sets up their hospital discharge service.

HelpAge International was founded in 1982 by organisations including Help the Aged. It created a worldwide network of organisations working to improve older people’s lives.

Help the Aged opens its first high street shop in 1984.

Age Concern Wales celebrates its 40th anniversary in 1987, which is designated ’Year of the Elderly in Wales’.

1990s

In 1990, Age Concern Cymru transferred all its direct services to local Age Concern organisations.

In 1995, Age Concern Cymru takes over responsibility from the Welsh Office for the management and development of the Keep Warm Keep Well campaign.

Age Concern Cymru launches the Wales agenda for the Millennium Debate of the Age in 1998.

Age Concern Cymru opens its first charity shop in 1999 and coordinates activities in Wales for the International Year of Older Persons.

In 1999, Help the Aged opened its first office in Wales at CSV in Cardiff. The organisation eventually moved to its premises at 12 Cathedral Road, Cardiff.

2000-present

Age Concern Cymru sets up and supports an all-party group on Older People and Ageing at the New National Assembly for Wales in 2000. 

Help the Aged develops its research, policy and campaigning role.

In July 2000, organisations sharing the name Age Concern came together to work in a federation: a structure which reflected their independence and autonomy but also their interdependence.

In 2001, Age Concern Cymru organises and runs 27 focus groups for older people to help influence and shape the development of the Strategy for Older People in Wales.

Age Concern Cymru founds the Older People’s Network in 2002 and launches its programme to involve older people, EngAGE in 2004.

In 2005, Age Concern Cymru moved to its new office building at Neptune Court, Cardiff which was named Tŷ John Pathy, in honour of Professor MS John Pathy, the president of Age Concern Cymru.

On 1 April 2009, Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales joined together to create a new charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.

In April 2010, Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales became known as Age Cymru.