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Creating communities that feel like home

Age UK is proud to be working with Dunelm to support older people in their local areas with advice, services and friendship.

Older people have the right to feel valued, feel included, and feel the joy of being truly at home. Which is why Dunelm is supporting Age UK, aiming to raise £3 million!

Help us Deliver Joy this Christmas

Donate to create communities that feel like home

Why our partnership matters to older people

Home is meant to be a place of comfort and happiness. But home doesn't feel like home when you're lonely, when you can't afford to put the heating on or put food in the fridge. 

1.2 million

1.2 million older households living in ‘non-decent’ housing.

1.7 million

1.7 million older people live in poverty and are amongst those worst hit by the cost-of-living crisis.

Every penny raised helps older people stay safe, connected and independent in their homes and communities

Our partnership will help fund practical Age UK services right across the UK - all the way from Cornwall to Scotland. This includes frontline support in communities, like lunch clubs, friendship services and transport.

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Our partnership is helping older people like Joan

Following a stroke and the loss of her husband in quick succession, 93-year old Joan, once sociable and mobile, was left housebound, with no family nearby. Although Joan had carers coming in several times a day, her family felt that she was missing out on regular, friendly interaction. So they therefore reached out to her local Age UK.

Age UK Berkshire arranged a face to face befriender for Joan, who regularly pops in to see her for a cup of tea and a chat. This friendship has now been growing over a period of time, even with Joan moving further away into a nursing home.

Joan often talks about the visits, saying how much she enjoys and looks forward to them and how they have a good laugh together. And, for Joan's family, the service has provided a great source of comfort; her daughter says her befriender “has become part of the team who keep her mother happy and positive”.

Alongside fundraising, Dunelm is committed to using its resources to support older people directly - through colleague volunteering, product donations, and customer facing‑ activities in stores, Pausa Cafés and online.

We reached £2 million in early 2026. We can't wait for the year ahead as we work towards our £3 million milestone

Thank you to every Dunelm colleague who has taken part — from running and cycling to baking and skydiving — and to everyone who has donated and supported our partnership campaigns in store.

Together we’re a movement for change.

Together we can build communities that feel like home for older people and everyone.

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