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Our Summer Newsletter

A message from our CEO, Teri

Stephenson

Thank you for taking the time to read our summer newsletter As the seasons change, so too do the challenges and opportunities we see in our work to support older people across Lancashire

Summer can be a time of connection, and we ’ ve seen this shine through in recent months. From the incredible efforts of those who took on our Canoe Challenges, to the joy and companionship we see daily across all of our services, there’s much to celebrate.

We were also heartened by the recent success in our campaign with Age UK to ensure the Winter Fuel Allowance remains protected for those who need it most. This win means more older people will be able to stay safe and warm next winter - a reminder that together, we can create lasting change

Our Day Clubs continue to go from strength to strength, providing vital support, companionship, and fun for those who attend as well as respite for families and carers.

We had our staff conference in June (this year called That Work Thing!) and we had a joyous day celebrating the work of all colleagues across the organisation and the huge impact that they have on the lives of people across Lancashire. We had much to celebrate, but we ’ re also mindful that there is still much to do and that we ’ re needed now as much as ever

Our work around legacies is helping people make a lasting impact in their communities well into the future. I’m delighted this year that money left to us in a legacy will fund the continued work of our Parkinson’s Project ensuring that people diagnosed with the condition will continue to benefit from this excellent project.

As always, thank you to our supporters, funders, and volunteers. Your belief in our work is what powers it. Together, we are helping older people across Lancashire to remain informed, connected and supported.

With warm wishes for a joyful summer, Teri (CEO)

That Work Thing.

The day was filled with laughter, tears, and a buzz of energy, with staff and volunteers alike greeting each other with smiles and hugs Our annual get-together allows us to reconnect and celebrate everything we do across the county

Throughout the day, we were able to listen to key speakers from across the organisation, including our wonderful chair, Victoria Buyer and Clare Barlow, Trustee.

While we celebrated all the things we have accomplished over the past year, we also looked ahead as to what our values look like and if they still align with who we are and what we do.

Our impact report was also launched, which highlighted the hard work staff and volunteers have achieved over the year.

Total people reached including older adults, carers and families across Lancashire

Appointments held through our Information & Advice Service

People supported through our Living Well Service

Help line enquiries - thats nearly 94 calls per day!

Footcare appointmentskeeping feet healthy to prevent falls and aid mobility

We helped people to live independently by helping to claim £2.25m in benefits

Our Integrated Care Programme across East Lancs enabled 1,003 people to manage their longterm conditions and live independently

Age UK Lancashire is coming to you by text

We will be launching our new SMS communication this summer! If you have opted in to hear from us by SMS you will recieve a text from us in the coming weeks. We hope that our new SMS communication tool will be welcome and easier to catch up on everything that we are doing locally.

As always, you can update your preferences by calling us on our 0300 number or by emailing advice@ageuklancs org uk

Services

Day Clubs

Age UK Lancashire has day services for older people across Lancashire, which run Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 3:30 pm. We offer a range of activities throughout the day, and a two-course hot lunch is provided.

Our aim is to provide an environment where older people can join us to experience fun, friendship, and laughter, but there are many other benefits to attending one of our day services. These include improved physical health through gentle movement and exercises. Improved mental wellbeing by providing opportunities for social interaction, aiming to help with combating loneliness and depression. It helps to improve cognition by being able to take part in engaging activities. We provide much-needed respite for carers whilst giving peace of mind as they know their loved one is in a safe, supportive, and caring environment

An example of how day services make a difference to the lives of older people can be found at our Walton Lane day centre in Nelson, where two ladies have formed a lovely friendship with each other. These two ladies have met up with each other outside of the service and even went out for fish and chips. They call each other regularly and make sure they send each other a card for their birthdays Attending the day service and forming this friendship has helped to combat the loneliness these two ladies were experiencing and has given them an opportunity for social interaction not only in the service but also in their personal lives.

“I love coming here, it's always clean and the staff are always friendly. I love the quizzes the most, I’m never bored, it's better than staring at the same four walls at home all the time” - Joyce

We currently have centers across the county in Morecambe, Ormskirk, Nelson & Garstang. Taster sessions are available, and the team will go through everything the service has to offer.

Footcare

Last year, our foot care team improved the mobility and hygiene of 530 people across Central and West Lancashire. Good foot health is critical for older people By keeping your feet healthy, you can reduce the risk of falls and long-term health conditions.

Benefits of this service include;

• Keep you mobile and active

• Reduces the risk of falls.

• Helps you retain independence.

• A chance to socialise, have a chat & see a friendly face.

• Access to Age UK Lancashire services and support

Clinics are available in Tarleton, Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Chorley, and Bamber Bridge. Home Visits are also available for those who are housebound

Services

Dancing, Tea, Cake and Dementia

Our dementia team held a fun-packed week for Dementia Action Week in May and held their 2 Tea Dance in West Lancashire for those living with dementia. Jaquis Rytham Katz Band played classic and modern music, which everyone fully enjoyed, with lots of dancing from both Age UK Lancashire staff, carers, and those living with dementia nd

We had some wonderful feedback from those who attended “What a wonderful afternoon…when’s the next one?”

“Thank you… We have had a lovely afternoon.”

We would like to express our thanks to Tawd Vale Lions for sponsoring the band, to Morrisons, Tesco, Morris Quality Bakers, and all internal colleagues who donated refreshments and cake for the event. We can’t run these events without the support from local businesses and organisations, thankyou.

We were also able to raise £72 for Age UK Lancashire from a raffle with an amazing prize for Afternoon Tea at Janie’s Tea Room in Ormskirk.

We offer dedicated dementia support across Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our aim is to empower older people living with dementia and their carers, providing the resources, support, and guidance they need to live well and prepare for the future

Out and about

As summer fully descends on the UK, you may see us out and about in the community. Here are some of the places we will be. Come and say hello ifyou see us.

Bay Health Festival – Saturday 13th July, at Dalton Square, Lancaster Garstang Show – Saturday 2nd August at Garstang

Bay Information Hub – 5th September at St Paul’s Parish Hall, Lancaster Dementia clinic Thursday 14th August at Oswaldtwistle Medical Practice Learning disability clinic, Tuesday 16th September at Oswaldtwistle Medical Practice

Come and join our team

Footcare Practitioner (Bank)

The Footcare team is on the lookout for a new colleague who enjoys feet as much as they do! Ifyou or someone you know is looking for a new role, has experience working with the elderly and health conditions, please visit ourwebsite for more information.

Sign up to Easy Fundraising today and your full basket could be worth £5 to Age UK Lancashire. Simply scan the QR code to get started. Shop online?

Fundraising

Over £13,000 raised for Lancashire older residents.

Teams took part in our annual canoe challenge in May and paddled 25 miles from Preston to Lancaster. The canoe challenge is our annual fundraiser, and it is growing year upon year

There's no question of how difficult this challenge is. To paddle 25 miles under 8 hours is a challenge in itself, and we are in ‘ oar ’ of all the teams involved and raising much-needed funds to support vulnerable adults, older people, carers, and families.

A big thankyou to ourvolunteers who help provide the equipment and to those who cheer the teams on at various locations along the way. A big thankyou to the Hand & Dagger in Salwick for letting us use your car park in the morning and to the WaterWitch in Lancaster, who support the teams at the end with a welldeserved chip sandwich and, of course, a much-needed drink.

The date for next year's challenge is Saturday, 9th May 2026. Keep an eye out for registration in the newyear. Could you be one of our 10?

We are on the lookout for 10 people to register for one of our running events or inflatable races We recently registered with Run for All, which has access to all the big regional events across the country. We’re looking for 10 amazing people to be our superstars (Although we always welcome more). Sign up today and be one of our amazing 10!

Upcoming events include Chester Marathon - 5 October th Manchester half - 12 October th Inflatable races - 20 September th ungee Jumps - Tatton Park, 4 October th

Sign up to Easy Fundraising today and your full basket could be worth £5 to Age UK Lancashire. Simply scan the QR code to get started. Shop online?

Leave it Local

In our last newsletter, we launched our Leave It Local campaign, encouraging people to consider leaving a gift in theirwill to support older people in our communities.

These legacies help sustain vital services, including our befriending schemes, dementia support groups, and day clubs, ensuring older people can live independently, stay connected, and enjoy their lateryears with dignity and joy

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a lasting impact, keeping local services thriving for generations to come, but our biggest hurdle is our name and the confusion with the national Age UK name and Age Concern.

“Many people don’t realise we are a local independent charity based in Lancashire, supporting Lancashire residents Our Charity name is often confused with the National Age UK name and Age Concern It is incredibly important to use our full name (Age UK Lancashire) and our charity number (1142294) when leaving a gift to Age UK Lancashire. This ensures the whole gift is received and is used to benefit those in our beautiful region”. Vicki Lamb, Individual Giving Manager.

Want to learn more? Get in touch and help us build a brighter future for older people

PROTECT YOUR FUTURE AND HELP BUILD A COUNTY WHICH SUPPORTS OLDER RESIDENTS

Age UK Lancashire is offering a valuable Will Writing Service, providing individuals the opportunity to write a basic will for a significantly reduced cost. The fee for this service is donated entirely to Age UK Lancashire to support its essential community work.

This service is available through partner solicitors across the region, with upcoming Will Writing Clinics being held in various locations, including Ormskirk, Lancaster, Preston, Burnley & Nelson

By using this service, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, while supporting a local charity that benefits older people in Lancashire - Find out more here

We were thrilled to receive a legacy for over £120,000 which the trustees have agreed to use this year to support delivery of our 0300 helpline, Good Day Calls and our Day Services.

Upcoming Clinics available to book

31st July 2025 - Hexagon Life Planning @ Age UK Lancashire office in Ormskirk. Includes Power of Attorney information drop in 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

3rd September 2025 - PHH Solicitors @ Age UK Lancashire office in St Annes.

8th September 2025 - Birchall Blackburn @ solicitor's office in Preston.

25th September 2025 - Hexagon Life Planning @ Age UK Lancashire office in Ormskirk. Includes Power of Attorney information drop in 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

1st October 2025 - NGA Solicitors @ Age UK Lancashire office in Padiham Town Hall

27th November 2025- Hexagon Life Planning @ Age UK Lancashire office in Ormskirk. Includes Power of Attorney information drop in 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.