Annual Report 24/25

Age UK Sheffield has supported a record number of older people over the past year, delivering life-changing support to thousands across the city while tackling rising levels of poverty and loneliness.

During 2024/25, the charity supported 4,180 older people with direct casework, a 10% increase on the previous year, highlighting growing demand for support services.

A major focus of the charity’s work continues to be tackling financial hardship, with its advice and support services helping at least 425 people increase their income by over £2.65 million in the first year alone.

Alongside financial support, Age UK Sheffield is also addressing social isolation. Over 2,000 older people at risk of loneliness were supported to access activities and social connections, helping them stay active, independent and engaged in their communities.

Supporting independence and reducing pressure on services

The charity’s holistic, person-centred approach helps older people live safely and independently at home while reducing pressure on health and social care services.

An independent evaluation of its hospital discharge support found that patients supported by Age UK Sheffield:

• Left hospital two days earlier on average
• Required less ongoing care
• Had lower readmission rates

This work is estimated to have saved the NHS around £318,000 in bed days.

Community impact across Sheffield

Beyond direct casework, thousands more people benefited from:

• Community activities and wellbeing programmes
• Dementia support services across the city
• Digital inclusion and befriending services
• Advice delivered via phone, email and in person

The charity is supported by 272 volunteers, contributing 25,000 hours of support, with an estimated value of £286,000.

Supporting those most in need

The majority of people supported are among the most vulnerable in Sheffield:

• 80% aged 70+
• Many living with long-term health conditions, dementia or mobility issues
• Around a quarter of over-65s in Sheffield are living in poverty

Looking ahead

As demand continues to rise, Age UK Sheffield remains committed to its vision of a city where no older person lives in poverty or loneliness, continuing to expand services and support those who need it most.