Charity invests in its silver surfers and plans for a bigger home

Sunday 25 December 2016

A local charity has launched a big fundraising campaign to find a bigger home and is investing in its growing number of silver surfers.

Age Concern want to move into bigger premises so that it doesn't have to turn anyone away and has launched a new website to make it easier for elderly Islanders to access its services.

The charity says being accessible to all is one of the biggest challenges it faces and that many elderly people are being turned away because the current Windsor House building just doesn't have the space for them all.

At its Annual General Meeting a number of initiatives were announced that the charity says will help it more effectively meet the challenges presented by an ageing population. As well as investing in its online presence, it has refreshed its branding to reflect its vision for the essential support it wants to provide into the future. 

At the AGM long-standing chairman Daphne Minihane took on the role of President and Senator Sarah Ferguson was appointed Chairman. The Senior Management team was further strengthened too by the appointment of Paul Simmonds to the role of General Manager.

Senator Sarah Ferguson said: “People are living longer and the States of Jersey are actively supporting the elderly so they can stay in their homes rather than move into nursing care.  For some, the lack of interaction with others results in loneliness and ultimately depression and the need for our services is under immense pressure. We urgently need human and financial support to enable us to meet the increasing demands of our services.”

Daphne Minihane said: “We are all aware that Jersey faces challenges as Islanders live longer and the pressure on infrastructure and resources increases. Equally the people we work with want to be able to access modern and appropriate services to meet their changing needs. Sarah Ferguson and Paul Simmonds bring a wealth of experience and skills to our senior team and will play a pivotal role in shaping what we do going forward.” 

Age Concern offers the following services to Islanders over 55:

• Frozen meal service

• Lunch served at Windsor House

• Hairdressing service

• Chiropody

• Computer courses

• Socials every Tuesday afternoon at St Thomas’ Church Hall

• General advice and support