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Our History

Age UK Norwich has long been a force for change, care, and community. From frontline services to national campaigns, we’ve always stood up for older people in our city.

Here’s what we’ve achieved in recent years:

  • We support over 7,000 people each year, delivering more than 50,000 interventions that protect dignity and independence.

  • Our team helps secure millions in unclaimed welfare entitlements — £2.87 million in 2024 alone — easing financial pressures for thousands of households.

  • We deliver 9,133 Complex Community Welfare Checks annually, safeguarding people’s wellbeing before crises develop.

  • Our Befriending Service continues to reduce loneliness — from regular calls to in-person visits — with relationships lasting over 15 years.

  • We influence change through partnerships, working with the NHS, Norwich City Council, UEA and others on issues like falls prevention, hydration, and accessibility in city infrastructure.

  • Our campaigning voice has never been stronger — from reversing Winter Fuel payment cuts in 2025, to feeding into national reports that shape the future of health and social care.

But the challenges remain stark. Norwich is one of the loneliest cities in England, with over 42% of residents living alone, and fuel poverty disproportionately affects older households. Without our services, too many would face hardship, poor health, or isolation alone.

 

A Timeline of our Journey 

 

1945 – 1960

  • 27 April 1945: The Norwich Committee for the Welfare of Older People was formed, later constituting as a charity in 1946.

  • Early aims: to relieve poverty, improve health, and promote recreation.

  • 1948: Creation of the NHS shaped our work.

  • 1956: Friends of Older People in Norwich established to raise funds for welfare causes.

 

 

1960 – 1970

  • 1963: University of East Anglia opened; Norwich industry flourished.

  • 1964: First “penny-a-week” workplace donation schemes.

  • 1968: Visiting Service launched — the foundation of today’s Befriending Service.

  • 1969: “Preparation for Retirement” classes tackled ageism and planning for later life.

 

 

1970 – 1980

  • 1971: Charity became Age Concern Norwich; first charity shop opened on Castle Meadow.

  • 1972: First lunch club launched to combat hunger during fuel crisis; Meals on Wheels introduced.

  • 1974: Supplied food to three sheltered housing complexes with Young Farmers’ support.

  • 1976: Participated in the first national “Age Action Year.”

 

 

1980 – 1990

  • 1981: Friends of Older People merged with Age Concern Norwich.

  • 1984: Took over Marion Road Day Centre; launched gardening scheme; supported the formation of Alzheimer’s Society Norwich.

  • 1986: “Keep Warm” conference targeted heating hardship.

  • 1988: Began arts, crafts, and physical activity work through “REACT.”

 

 

 

1990 – 2000

  • 1990: Brenda Arthur (now Horner) became Chief Officer.

  • 1992: First Welfare Rights Officer secured £100,000 in benefits for older people.

  • 1994: Four Day Centres supported 250+ people weekly.

  • 1996: “New Wheels Appeal” raised £40,000 for a minibus.

  • 1999: Volunteers delivered 30,000 hours of support; first London Marathon fundraiser.

 

2000 – 2010

  • 2000: Advice line received 10,000 calls for the first time.

  • 2001: OASIS Café opened, supporting carers of people with neurological conditions.

  • 2005: Diamond Jubilee marked with the “Your Rights” campaign.

  • 2008: Visit from HRH Duke of Edinburgh recognised our impact.

 

 

 

2010 – 2020

  • 2010: Became Age UK Norwich after the national merger of Age Concern and Help the Aged.

  • 2014: Took part in Norwich Pride for the first time (and every year since).

  • 2015: “Still on the Ball” reminiscence football group launched.

  • 2017: Dementia Friendly Norwich campaign launched with 100 businesses and 5,000 Dementia Friends.

  • 2019: Health @ Home service launched — precursor to our Health Coaching.

  • 2020: Pivoted services during COVID-19, delivering meals, online exercise, and shielding support.

2021 – 2024

  • 2021: Age Healthy Norwich formed in partnership with EPIC Norfolk and Norwich Theatre.

  • 2022: GaitSmart pilot helped secure NICE approval.

  • 2023: Moved to Thorpe Road offices; Norwich awarded Age Friendly City status.

  • 2024: Partnered with NNUH to produce a falls prevention video, later shortlisted for national awards.

 

 

2025 – Today

  • We marked our 80th birthday with a major public exhibition celebrating our history, services, and community partnerships.

  • Campaigned successfully against Winter Fuel payment cuts.

  • Launched an £80,000 fundraising appeal to protect vital services such as Befriending.

  • CEO Dan Skipper celebrated 10 years leading the charity.