Age UK Norwich secures vital support through partnership with JLL

Age UK Norwich is receiving funding and local partnership support from property firm JLL to help the charity continue providing essential services to older people across Norwich.

The funding comes as part of JLL’s three-year national partnership with Age UK, launched earlier this year, which enables regional offices to directly work with local Age UKs. In Norwich, this partnership has already created meaningful opportunities to engage JLL staff in initiatives that both raise awareness and provide tangible benefits for the community.

The relationship with JLL Norwich began earlier this year with an engaging Act Now, Age Healthy wellbeing session at JLL’s office. Designed to be both informative and interactive, the session included an icebreaker quiz on ageing, practical advice on hydration and mobility, and a showcase of GaitSmart technology – an innovative tool that helps assess and improve walking patterns. The session concluded with a 25-minute seated exercise class led by an Age UK Norwich Health Coach, showing simple but effective movements to help colleagues stay active at their desks.

Following the success of the session, JLL Norwich has invited Age UK Norwich back to deliver one-to-one GaitSmart assessments, offering colleagues tailored advice and exercises. This practical engagement reflects JLL’s commitment to staff wellbeing while also strengthening ties with the local charity.

In July, JLL Norwich hosted its annual charity football tournament, of which the proceeds were shared between Age UK Norwich and Community Sports Foundation. The event raised an impressive £3,522. Adding to the atmosphere, Age UK Norwich’s ‘Still on the Ball’ walking football club players took to the pitch at half-time to showcase their skills, sparking conversations about the benefits of walking football and inspiring interest from new potential players, volunteers, and supporters.

The money donated by JLL Norwich will help Age UK Norwich continue to deliver its wide range of local services, from befriending and social clubs that combat loneliness to exercise groups/one-to-one sessions that help older people remain mobile and independent. These services are vital for older people in Norwich, providing connection, advice, and practical support.

Dan Skipper, Chief Executive at Age UK Norwich, said “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with JLL Norwich. Alongside their generous donation, the real value lies in the awareness we’re able to create with their 300+ employees. If each colleague goes on to tell just five people about Age UK Norwich and the services we provide, we’ll be reaching thousands of people across the city. That level of community connection is vital in helping us support older people, and it’s also why fundraising is so important – it ensures we can continue delivering our services for those who need them most. We’re excited to build on this partnership, especially as we celebrate our 80th birthday year”

Simon Hill, Head of Property Services’ - Property & Asset Management, said "Age UK does incredible work that touches so many lives in our community. Being able to contribute to their mission on both a local and a national basis feels like a privilege, and hearing from our Norwich colleagues about the connections they're making through their volunteering activities has been truly inspiring – we're all keen to play our part in this important partnership."