Still here to help despite funding cuts

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin remains committed to supporting older people and is working hard to reassure everyone that its services are still available, despite losing a significant amount of funding from Shropshire Council.

Our charity has received funding from the council for decades to help provide a lifeline for older people in Shropshire including day centres, befriending services, Home from hospital and a wide range of activity groups. From 1 April 2026 these services will be delivered by another organisation, but many other services such as Information and advice, Help at Home and Dementia Support, will continue to be provided by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin. We are also keen to emphasise that our services for older people in Telford and the surrounding area are not directly impacted and will continue as normal.

In addition, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is now calling on the public for urgent financial support as we continue with our 75th anniversary fundraising appeal.

During the past year we have noticed a marked decline in referrals into some of our services and we’re very concerned that older people, their families and carers, may not realise that they can get support.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin said: “It’s important for people to understand that, although the loss of this funding will have a significant impact on us as a small local charity, we are still here and will continue to do everything we can to help older people across Shropshire.”

“Last year alone, we helped secure over £5 million in additional benefits income for older residents in the county. These vital services, along with others, such as Help at Home, will continue.”

Heather also highlighted the wider implications for our charity, saying: “There is no doubt that the loss of this funding will have a significant impact on both our organisation and the services we provide, particularly as we were already struggling to meet growing demand with limited resources. Despite this setback, we remain firmly committed to supporting older people by continuing to offer help and advice wherever we can. We are determined to rebuild from this position and will strengthen our appeals and fundraising efforts to recover as much of the lost income as possible.”

As a result of the council’s decision and the subsequent reduction in funding, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is asking residents, businesses and community groups to act today by donating and fundraising to help us rebuild vital services. Every pound given will be immediately used to protect and deliver essential local services that help older people who are struggling with loneliness and social isolation.

To find out more about how to support Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, share fundraising ideas or explore partnership opportunities, visit our fundraising page, call our Fundraising team on 01743 233 123, or email fundraising@ageukstw.org.uk