A West Midlands-based branch of Age UK has announced plans to close this month, with 97 members of staff at risk of redundancy.
This week, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire said in a statement that it would close its doors on 30 September due to “severe financial challenges”.
These challenges, it said, included rising operating costs and diminishing funding opportunities, which had made it “no longer viable for the charity to continue offering services”.
The charity said it was contacting its beneficiaries as well as working with the national Age UK charity, its brand partners and other local organisations to ensure as many people as possible continue to receive the support that they need.
According to accounts filed with the Charity Commission, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire recorded a deficit of £154,000 in the year to March 2023.
‘Extremely saddened’
“We are extremely saddened and disappointed that it has come to this,” said the charity’s CEO Julia Neal.
“We know that our clients will be concerned about what this news means for them and we are in the process of making contact to ensure that they know what arrangements will be in place for them.
“Last year, we supported more than 15,000 older people across our two counties, which had a significant impact on their lives.
“As a charity which makes a significant contribution to the work of the wider health and care system, we have continued to support some of the most vulnerable older people at a time when they most need that support.
“However, this commitment has meant that we have become increasingly vulnerable to the challenges faced by providers delivering commissioned services.
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support of our beneficiaries and donors over the years and understand that this news is upsetting for everyone involved.
“Our number one priority is ensuring that older people in the area are supported in the best way possible, and we are working hard to facilitate a smooth transition to alternative support.”
Earlier this year, Age UK West Cumbria announced its plans to close due to financial challenges.
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