The difference you made this year

Thanks to your support, this past year has made a real and lasting difference to thousands of older people across East Sussex.

At Age UK East Sussex, our vision is to help create and sustain a county where everyone can age well. Every day, we work alongside older people to help them navigate later life with dignity and confidence.

Behind every number in this report is a person who feels financially safer and less alone because of you and what you have helped us achieve this year. 

Supporting independence, connection and wellbeing

Many of the people we support are facing multiple challenges. Our services are designed to respond to these real-life situations in a person-centred, compassionate way.

Because of you, people told us they experienced:

• Greater independence and control
• Improved health and wellbeing
• Stronger social connections
• Increased financial confidence and resilience

Your support makes all of this possible.

Advice when it matters

Our Information and Advice service is often the first place people turn when they don’t know where else to go.

This year, we supported over 8,000 people with free, confidential and independent advice on issues such as:

• Welfare benefits and income maximisation
• Care and support options
• Housing and later life planning
• Protection from scams and fraud

For many, these systems are overwhelming, which is where we come in. A simple phone call or appointment with our team can make all the difference, as they will talk through financial support opportunities and help people make informed decisions about their future.

As demand continues to grow and cases become more complex, your support ensures we can continue to be there for older people in East Sussex when they need us.

Community spaces that bring people together

Our community centres are at the heart of what we do - welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can stay active, social and supported.

At the Isabel Blackman Centre in Hastings, alongside our other local hubs, we provide a wide range of activities including exercise classes, social groups, meals, and wellbeing support.

• Nearly 12,000 people engaged with the Isabel Blackman Centre
• Thousands more accessed support, activities and meals across our centres

For many people, these spaces are more than just a place to go, they are a lifeline. A place to make friends, build confidence, and feel part of something again.

Tackling loneliness head-on

Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges facing older people and it can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health.

Through services like our telephone befriending programme, we help people reconnect with others, and with the world around them.

With the support of our volunteers, we’ve helped people:

• Build meaningful relationships
• Regain confidence
• Take steps back into their communities

Sometimes, a regular phone call or friendly voice is all it takes to remind someone they are not alone.

Powered by people like you

Everything we achieve is powered by the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our volunteers.

• 463 volunteers gave their time this year
• Contributing over 121,000 hours
• With an estimated value of £1.48 million

From befriending and community support to advice services and behind-the-scenes roles, volunteers are at the heart of our work.

And with your continued support, whether through donations, fundraising, or simply championing our work, you are part of this impact too.

Be Part of the Difference

Stories like Harry’s are only possible because of supporters like you.

Every day, more older people across East Sussex are facing similar challenges - rising costs, complex systems, and increasing isolation. With your help, we can be there with the right support at the right time.

If you can, please consider making a donation today. Your support will help us reach more people like Harry. Together, we can continue to make a real difference.

Donate today