Appeal to help older people

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin launched a major fundraising appeal at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery this week.

The Platinum Appeal marks the 70th anniversary of our work and seeks to raise vital funds to provide frontline services for older people in the region. With an ambitious target of £150,000, we need your help!

Launching the appeal Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: 'The increasing numbers and needs of older people mean it's really important that we are able to continue to grow. We know that funding can't come solely from local authorities as they are struggling too, so we are looking at ways we can grow and develop and meet those needs.'

The Platinum Appeal, which runs until November 2021, covers three main areas of service: information and advice, dementia support and loneliness.

Heather Osborne added: 'Loneliness is a massive issue in society today and our befriending service has been running since we started in 1950. People tell us "many of us would be lost without people like you" and describe our services as a "life-saver". By supporting our Platinum Appeal and helping us reach our £150,000 target, you will be helping the people who really need us.'

'Last year we raised £3.25 million in benefits for older people and in terms of dementia support we estimate that 7,000 people need our help. In addition to our 11 dementia support groups there is also a need for respite and support for carers, so it's crucial we expand those services.'

If you'd like to help us to help local older people, you can find out more on our Platinum Appeal page.