A United Front to Target Frailty in Norfolk
Published on 11 August 2026 04:16 PM
Age UK Norwich and Norfolk Citizens Advice have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at tackling one of Norfolk’s biggest long-term challenges - an ageing population with rising levels of frailty and poor health.
Frailty, a syndrome associated with ageing, reduces resilience and recovery often affecting physical mobility, mental wellbeing, housing stability and financial security. Left unsupported, it can significantly impact independence and quality of life, a particular challenge in a rural county.
Critically – it is not an inevitability of ageing, and can be prevented, something both charities have united on.
In a joint statement, Roger Margand and Anna Bennett, respective Chairs of Norfolk Citizens Advice and Age UK Norwich, said:
“Norfolk has one of the oldest populations in the country and faces significant challenges around healthy ageing and frailty. By bringing together our skills, expertise and resources, we can offer more joined-up support for residents and strengthen the help available to our healthcare and community partners.”
The partnership builds on many years of successful joint working between the two charities, including Accredited Advice Services, Complex Housing Support, and most recently, Healthy Ageing Norfolk – a frailty and falls prevention service.
To support this new partnership, Dan Skipper has been appointed the Director of Healthy Ageing Norfolk, and steps-down as Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Norwich after 11 years at the charity.
Fiona Gosden, former CEO of Time Norfolk, will become Interim Chief Executive Officer at Age UK Norwich. Fiona joined the charity as Head of Services in March 2026.
The charities emphasised that the organisations are not merging and will continue to operate independently under their existing names, governance and charitable missions.
Norfolk Citizens Advice is the county’s leading advice charity, offering a wider range of support for money, housing, debt and consumer rights. Age UK Norwich specialises in health coaching, wellbeing support and community-based services for older people and was recently recognised nationally as a winner of the 2026 GSK / King’s Fund Impact Award.
Healthy Ageing Norfolk supports older residents through services including physical rehabilitation, housing and financial advice, social connection, care planning and wider wellbeing support. More information is available at www.healthyageingnorfolk.org.uk
Dan Skipper [Photo] said: “It has been a privilege to lead Age UK Norwich over the past 11 years, and I’m excited by the opportunity to work across both charities in this new shared role. Norfolk remains behind the national average for healthy life expectancy, meaning many people spend more years living in poor health and often die younger than they should. Both organisations are committed to changing that. Through Healthy Ageing Norfolk, we are already helping people improve their independence, wellbeing and quality of life - but there is much more we can achieve together.”