Age UK network partners join forces to strengthen support for older people

Age UK East Grinstead & District and Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove have agreed to merge, following a strategic review that concluded joining forces would enable the charity to provide stronger, more sustainable services for older people across East Grinstead and the surrounding communities. The review, which involved older people, staff, volunteers, trustees and partner organisations, identified opportunities to improve support, reach more people and ensure the charity remains fit for the future.  

The merger will bring together the expertise, resources and local knowledge of both charities, creating a stronger organisation that can develop new services, respond to growing demand and invest more in supporting older people locally. As with many charities, working together will also improve efficiency, reduce duplication and strengthen long-term sustainability, ensuring more resources can be directed towards frontline services. 

The aim is to finalise the merger and become one organisation by September 1st - after which we look forward to sharing more about our future plans and the enhanced services this will enable for older people across our communities. 

Bernadette Cox, Chief Executive Officer at Age UK East Grinstead & District said: "Earlier this year we took time to listen to older people our staff, volunteers, trustees and partners about what our community will need in the years ahead. It became clear that by joining forces with Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove we can build on the excellent support already available in East Grinstead, develop new services over time and ensure we're here for older people long into the future."

Helen Rice, Chief Executive Officer at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove said "Joining forces means we can do more, together, for older people across our communities. We’re creating a stronger, more resilient charity, working to tackle issues like poverty, frailty and loneliness, so people can live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. This move helps ensure that we’re fit for the future and we’re looking forward to meeting members, bringing our teams together and expanding what we can offer in East Grinstead over the coming months." 

Age UK East Grinstead & District and Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove are both independent network partners of the national charity Age UK, with their own Boards of Trustees and separate finances. Older people in East Grinstead and the surrounding communities will continue to receive support from staff and volunteers.

For now services will continue as normal while we  work behind the scenes to bring the charities together. Any future changes will be communicated clearly, with plenty of notice, and will be focused on improving the support we can offer.  For more information please  speak to a member of staff at either charity or contact either organisation using the details below.   

If you would like to contact Age UK East Grinstead and District, please call 01342 327 046 or email enq@ageukeastgrinstead.org.uk  

If you would like to contact Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, please call 0800 019 1310 or email info@ageukwsbh.org.uk