Age UK H&W's 2023 Recap and a Christmas message from our CEO Julia Neal

Our CEO Julia Neal wanted to share a short message ahead of the festive season, which looks ahead to the holidays and also back at a challenging yet successful year for Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

We've also created a short video reflecting on some of the support we've been able to provide across the two counties this year, as well as look back at some of the best moments from the year!

Julia's message:

As we approach the festive season, I am as always humbled by the resilience, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our community's older people that I see every day in our amazing staff and volunteers.

This year has not been without its challenges, both for our charity as a whole and the individual services that make us what we are. We have together though, overcome obstacles and demonstrated the true meaning of working as a team which has meant that Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire continues to stand as a beacon of support for the older individuals in our community, ensuring that they receive the care, companionship, and support they need to thrive and be as independent as possible. The many and varied festive activities offered in the weeks leading up to Christmas will have brought warmth and joy to many older people.

For all of these reasons, I will be celebrating this Christmas with the enduring spirit of kindness and generosity that defines our community in the charity sector. Despite the uncertainties of the past months, the unwavering support from our dedicated staff, volunteers and partners has allowed us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people. We know well from the feedback that we get that our commitment to our mission has created a ripple effect of positivity, spreading joy and comfort to those who need it most. I will also be thinking, as I spend time with friends and family, of those who may be feeling isolated or in need of support and hoping that those who feel able to will reach out to neighbours who may be forgotten or isolated.

Looking ahead to the new year, there are many exciting opportunities that lie ahead for us as well as some really significant challenges which are affecting the whole sector. We will continue to do what we can to have a positive impact on the lives of older people and I am deeply grateful for the dedication, compassion, and unwavering support of all those that I have the privilege to work with.

Age UK H&W's 2023 Recap Video : https://bit.ly/3va9elL