50 Year Celebration

AGE Concern Southend celebrated its 50th year in style at The Haven, their community Hub in Hamlet Court Road on 19th October.

Staff, Trustees, volunteers and service users all came together to celebrate in style with entertainment from the 60’s Jukebox live band led by ex-CEO of the charity Lin Boulter.

There was a raffle with prizes very generously donated by local businesses and a very successful auction. A whopping £3645 was raised on the night.

Sarah Wilson, General Manager of the charity said: “I think it’s fair to say that an enjoyable evening was had by all, and we are blown away by the amount of money raised.

“We are so grateful for the support shown by everyone on the night”

“It was so wonderful to see our staff members, volunteers, trustees (old and new) and service users having a great time and raising much needed funds for the charity at the same time.”

Age Concern Southend is a small, local, independent charity formed in 1974. It is not connected with any other organisation such as Age UK. In 2018 Age Concern Southend merged with Club 50+ and later in that year moved into the former Havens Department Store in Hamlet Court Road converting it into The Haven a thriving  Community Hub that provides a much-needed service offering over 30 affordable activities a week for the whole community.

The charity also runs a free befriending service, open to those who may feel isolated or lonely. Volunteers are matched with a friend for a telephone call or weekly visit.

The Hub is used by many other charities, businesses and organisations, many of whom joined in the birthday celebrations.

Another service on offer by Age Concern Southend is its Dementia Day Centre primarily for those living with dementia, but also supporting those with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and stroke. Activities are designed to be meaningful to each individual and to improve the health and wellbeing of the clients, as well as providing much needed respite for unpaid carers.

Mike Nicholson, trustee and acting CEO of the charity said: “I’ve had the privilege of being part of Age Concern Southend since 2013 and am very proud of what we have achieved over the past few years.”

“The services we are now able to offer are so important to the older people of Southend and the wider community. The party was a great opportunity for us to celebrate our achievements and raise a toast to the next 50 years.”

Read more.

Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news

Contact us. Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news

Twitter: @leighonsea_news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news