Official opening

Sheffield’s leading older person’s charity hopes its city centre relocation will open an exciting new chapter for its work.

Age UK Sheffield has officially opened its new operational hub in the heart of the city, having moved its team of dedicated staff and volunteers to office space at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s (SYFR) headquarters on Eyre Street.

Charity bosses hope the move will reignite public support for its work, which includes supporting more than 4,000 vulnerable, older people in the city every year.

The unveiling of the plaque was carried out by HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Andrew Coombe.

Other top dignitaries, including the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Master Cutler and Lord Mayor of Sheffield were amongst the specially invited guests who heard more about the charity’s work, which delivered more than £2.7 million in additional benefits to local people last year.

The whole city got behind the move- including Westfield Health who donated office furniture and storage equipment and solicitors HLW Keeble Hawson who provided legal support.

Steve Chu, Chief Executive at Age UK Sheffield, said: “I want to say a massive thank you to all the individuals and organisations that have supported us, and continue to support us with this relocation. We’re really pleased to be here and believe the partnership between a Fire and Rescue Service and an older people’s charity is beneficial to us both.

“The work our staff do to support people aged fifty and over in Sheffield is high quality, highly-skilled, and much needed. Everyone tells me that the quality of our services is second to none. GPs are amazed at the outcomes we achieve for their patients, telling us we are the most holistic service they have.

“We have carers who cry with joy when their loved ones with dementia come to our Wellbeing Centre, saying their lives have been transformed by our support. We are extremely grateful for all the warm words we receive on a daily basis.

“We know that in delivering excellent services to older people in Sheffield, we have built up a lot of support for our work and goodwill towards our charity. Our new location is a really exciting one for us, helping us to be as committed as ever to older people in Sheffield.”

Age UK Sheffield supported nearly 4,000 people last year bringing in nearly £2.7m in additional benefits that weren’t being claimed.

The charity also made more than 1,300 referrals to vital services, including SYFR’s Safe & Well checks, and to local community groups, from choirs to arts and crafts.

It also helps to reduce demand on the NHS through taking GP referrals, helping to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and facilitating earlier discharge from hospitals.

“This is all vital work. But like most local charities, the pressure on us is growing, year on year. We still rely on donations to help older in our city to have an income, a warm roof over their head, activities to enjoy and the best health they can have to live as independently as possible,” Steve added.