Age Concern Hampshire Launches Christmas Campaign to Support Older People During Winter

Age Concern Hampshire is launching its annual Christmas campaign, Past, Present, and Future, to support older people through the challenges of the winter season. This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on three key issues that can have a serious impact on later life: winter pressures, falls, and isolation and loneliness. By raising awareness of these challenges, the charity also hopes to generate vital funds and attract new volunteers, helping to secure the longevity of its essential services across the county. 
 
Winter can be a particularly difficult time for older people. Age Concern Hampshire is addressing these winter pressures by helping residents access essential financial support and providing guidance with form-filling through its Information Service. This includes assistance with benefit applications that can help with heating and fuel costs. By removing these barriers, the charity ensures older people receive the support they need to stay safe and well during the colder months.​
 
Fall prevention is another crucial focus. Through its Care and Wellbeing Centres and Foot Care clinics, Age Concern Hampshire helps older people maintain mobility, manage foot health, and reduce the risk of accidents. These services not only protect physical wellbeing but also contribute to independence and confidence at home.
 
The campaign also tackles isolation and loneliness, which can intensify during the Christmas season. Support is available at the charity’s Care and Wellbeing Centres, or through assistance in the home via the Help at Home service. In addition, practical support and social groups help older people stay connected, engaged, and supported throughout the winter.
 
Volunteers are central to Age Concern Hampshire’s work all year round. From offering companionship to supporting practical services in centres, their dedication ensures that older people in Hampshire receive care, connection, and independence. Anyone interested in giving their time can find out more by visiting: ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/volunteer-hampshire/give-time-by-volunteering.
 
The charity is also inviting donations from individuals and corporate supporters. Every contribution, big or small, helps fund essential services and allows Age Concern Hampshire to respond flexibly to the evolving needs of older people across the county. To support the Christmas campaign and make a donation, please visit justgiving.com/campaign/ach40.
 

“Winter can bring unique challenges for older people, from managing health and safety to staying socially connected,” said Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services at Age Concern Hampshire. “Our Christmas campaign highlights the services we provide and the ways the community can help. By donating or supporting our work, everyone can play a part in ensuring no older person in Hampshire faces the season alone.”
 
Editor’s Notes: 

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at their Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Foot Care clinics, Help at Home, Information via their Information Hub, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities. Its mission is to help people ‘Age well and Live well’. 

Age Concern Hampshire 
Centre Way 
Locks Heath 
Southampton 
SO31 6DX 

Tel: 01962 868545 

For media enquiries, please email Sarah Jacobs, Marketing Manager at Age Concern Hampshire: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk 

Clodagh Mckenna announced as Age Concern Hampshire’s Patron

Clodagh Mckenna Patron


Age Concern Hampshire, who are dedicated to improving the lives of older people across Hampshire, are delighted to announce that Clodagh McKenna has agreed to become Patron of the charity.

Clodagh McKenna is a chef, TV presenter, cookbook author and runs her 100 acres sustainable farm, Broadspear in Hampshire where she lives and works. She is the author of 8 cookbooks, including most recently In Minutes and Clodagh’s Weeknight Kitchen. Her latest book In Minutes is a Number 1 best-seller in both the UK and Ireland. Clodagh is a food columnist for the Sunday Times Magazine and a resident chef on ITV’s This Morning show. She has also hosted 5 of her own TV series.

Clodagh Mckenna has chosen to become involved with Age Concern Hampshire in their mission to enhance the wellbeing of older people in the county and will play an important part in championing their cause and helping them achieve their charitable goals.

Helen Callen, CEO for Age Concern Hampshire said: ‘’We are delighted to welcome Clodagh as our patron. Clodagh’s generosity to give her time to support older people in Hampshire will make such a difference in raising our profile and generating support for our essential services.

Today’s visit to our Frogmore Care and Wellbeing Centre has enabled Clodagh to see how our staff care for those not only with Dementia but those who are Physically Frail and how the service also supports Carers giving them much-needed respite whilst knowing that their loved one is receiving the support they need.

We are very much looking forward to working with Clodagh over the coming months and showing her the many ways in which Age Concern Hampshire supports older people‘’.

As charity patron, Clodagh will raise awareness of the charity, support key initiatives and promote projects so the charity can continue to deliver its key services. This invaluable support will be vital in allowing Age Concern Hampshire to further its reach and expand their ability to support local communities.

Clodagh Mckenna comments: “I am so honoured to become the Patron of Age Concern Hampshire. The work that they do to care for our elderly community is invaluable. I am so inspired by the team at the charity and all the many volunteers that donate their free time. This is something that I feel we take for granted, I am excited about helping in any way that I can to grow the awareness and support their brilliant work. Without charities like Age Concern Hampshire so many of our elders in the community would struggle and not enjoy the last years of their life”.

Age Concern Hampshire hosted this visit, to officially welcome Clodagh as the charity’s patron. Clodagh’s involvement promises to be a source of inspiration and encouragement, strengthening Age Concern Hampshire’s mission to make lives easier for older people, their carers and families to ensure they achieve the very best quality of life.

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at their Care & Wellbeing Centres throughout the county, as well as Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities.
For more information, visit:

Age Concern Hampshire

Centre Way

Locks Heath

Southampton

SO31 6DX
Tel: 01962 868545

For media enquiries, please email Sarah Jacobs: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk