Age UK Richmond is changing what growing older looks like by creating a community supporting independence and wellbeing.
Age UK Richmond wellbeing services manager Carol Horne has been working at the branch for 10 years and spoke to us about the ways they support older people from Kew all the way to Hampton.
In 2024 they launched their ‘Rainbow Café’, a social group for older LGBTQIA+ people in the area.
Carol explained the group came about after realising the need for inclusive spaces for people of all ages.
Carol said: “One of our clients came in to have a chat with me and said that her partner has gone into a care home.
“And I asked ‘What’s his name?’ She gave me a long look and said, ‘Actually, my partner’s a woman.’”
Now with 30 active members, the Rainbow Café is just one example of how the charity works to support older people, but it doesn’t stop there.
Carol told us: “We can help people with money and benefits.
“If you think about the winter fuel allowance, there’s been a lot of debate about that recently, helping people claim money if they’re a carer, that kind of thing.”
She shared an encounter with a man crying in the reception of their Twickenham wellbeing centre which was being used as a safe, warm space for older citizens at the time.
“He couldn’t afford to pay his heating bill. And that’s, you know, heartbreaking,” she said.
Aside from financial support, the organisation also offers a wide range of wellbeing services.
Carol said: “We’ve got activities every day of the week, lots of exercise, lots of sport, lots of fun things to do.”
Age UK Richmond currently employs 40 paid staff and rely on more than 100 volunteers, many of them being young people who give up their time during the week. They run IT classes, meal deliveries and social sessions.
Age UK Richmond continues to be a vital lifeline for older people across the community. To learn more about the services they offer and how to get involved, visit their website here.
Image credits, Age UK Richmond, with thanks
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