About Us

About Age UK Northamptonshire

Age UK Northamptonshire is the new name for Age Concern Northamptonshire.

For sixty years Age Concern has been the UK’s leading charitable body committed to the well-being of older people. As Age Concern Northamptonshire, we developed an unparalleled reputation for meeting the needs of vulnerable older people and working to make later life a better experience for everyone. As Age UK Northamptonshire, we will continue to be a local, independent, voluntary organisation, serving the needs of older people in our county and part of a national family which serves the needs of older people everywhere.

To see our latest annual report and accounts, view our entry on the Charity Commission Website

Vital service for local carers showcased at Age UK Northamptonshire’s event

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Written by Jo Bird | 02 February 2012

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The importance of Age UK Northamptonshire’s Carer’s Sitting Service, a service that allows unpaid carers to take a break from caring, was showcased at an event hosted at the Billing Road Head Office, Northampton.

The event saw older people, unpaid carers, professionals and commissioners as well as staff gather to listen to guest speakers talk about carers, the services Age UK Northamptonshire offer and the charity’s hopes for the future.

In Northamptonshire, the Carer's Sitting Service supports informal unpaid carers allowing them to take a break from their vital role in caring for another person in a bid to and maintain their own health and well-being.

There are 11,617 people over 65 years old providing unpaid care to a partner, family member or other person in the county. 548 of those providing unpaid care in Northamptonshire are themselves aged 85 or over.

Clive Newton, Age UK’s National Development Manager said: “This service helps unpaid carers to get out to do essential things like food shopping or attending a medical appointment.  But it is equally important that carers should be helped to have a life of their own, by being able to take a break to see friends or do something they enjoy.  If they don’t get these breaks their health and wellbeing – and their ability to carry on providing care – will suffer.”

Liam Condron, Age UK Northamptonshire's Chief Officer, said: "Caring full-time for a loved one can be exhausting and this is why it is vital we continue to provide a Carer's Sitting Service to ensure those people who need a break have access to one.

"We listened today to carers who explained why our service is so important and how the support Age UK Northamptonshire offers makes a huge difference to their lives.

"Today's event has highlighted the importance of the vital role that unpaid carers play in the local community."

SHOPPING SERVICE - NORTHAMPTON

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Written by Jo Gunnett | 11 January 2012

Age UK Northamptonshire offers a Shopping Service in various locations in the county that provides a vital facility to older people who are unable to access the supermarket for various reasons.

 

Volunteers are being recruited for the Co-Op Supermarket on the corner of Barry Road and the Wellingborough Road in Northampton on Wednesday mornings at 9.30am. The shopping is likely to be finished by 11am -11.30am. Volunteers select the shopping from lists at the supermarket which is left to be delivered by the delivery van later.

 

Ideally suited to volunteers who live in the locality, the Shopping Service does not demand very much commitment to time or responsibility. However, volunteers should be able to work on their own initiative where alternative items on the shopping list are required. Volunteers should also be able to read and be physically able to reach high and low shelves.

 

This is a vital service for older people who may be housebound or lack the ability to get to their local supermarket. The service works to strengthen the link between the community and the charity, ensuring we safeguard the older population when they are at their most vulnerable.

 

For further information, please contact Jo Gunnett, Volunteer Co-ordinator at 31, Billing Road, Northampton or phone 01604 611 200 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

New Lunch Club Opened - The Crossroads Hotel - Weedon

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Written by Jo Bird | 03 October 2011

Age UK Northamptonshire have opened a new monthly Lunch Club at The Crossroads Hotel, High Street, Weedon, Northants, NN7 4PX.  The Lunch Club will be open from 12.00 until 2.00pm. on the following dates:-

Monday 13th February 2012

Monday 12th March 2012

Monday 9th April 2012

Monday 7th May 2012

A main course meal including a drink costs £4.95 each.  You can add a starter or dessert for an extra £1.00 each.

All over 55's welcome.

For further details please contact Lisa Thorneycroft on 07500 065598, or alternatively you can contact The Crossroads direct on 01327 340354.

SUMMER'S HERE!

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Written by Jo Gunnett | 08 July 2011

In a few weeks time, schools will be breaking up and many people will be going on holiday, enjoying a well-deserved rest!

 

Here at Age UK Northamptonshire, our vital work continues to flourish and develop in a variety of ways for which we depend on voluntary help. We provide Day Care services throughout the County for older people to attend so that they might meet up with close friends in a lively environment and enjoy a nutritious lunch with a day full of activities. We have 11 shops in the County that is essential for generating the money needed – and which stays in the County - to provide our services. Older people can benefit from a home visit which provides social support and companionship for when mobility or a loss of confidence prevents them from venturing outside alone.

 

Age UK Northamptonshire would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has the long summer stretching ahead of them, such as students, teachers or retirees.

For more information, please contact Jo Gunnett (Volunteer Co-ordinator) on 01604 611 200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Hindu Community shows its support for Age UK

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Written by Liam Condron | 17 May 2011

 BAPS is a world wide community based organisation dedicated to fulfilling the spiritual, cultural and social needs of people; providing practical means for attaining inner peace and harmony between individuals with families and amongst communities.

 In the UK, BAPS is respected as one of the largest and most active Hindu organisations.  We were delighted BAPS selected Age UK as their charity of the year. Susie Davis represented Age UK Northamptonshire at the 10K challenge run in Wellingborough, Eastfield Park. It was a fabulous hot sunny Sunday on the 17th April.

 The event started with registration at the magnificent Hindu Temple of Madir in Mill Lane, Wellingborough. Dr Hiten Patel opened the event. The Lady Mayor and her consort, local Councillors and Community leaders were among the dignitaries

 Dr Patel gave a touching speech about older people to the 150 people who were present. The priest gave his blessing, photos were taken and we were off. The atmosphere was brilliant and it captured a community event at its best.

 People ran, walked, and pushed babies in prams. Older ladies walked, looking gorgeous in their colourful saris. There were refreshments at hand throughout the event followed by food back at the temple after what proved to be a lovely inspiring day.

 Age UK Northamptonshire wish to say an enormous thank you for BAPS’ generosity and warm welcome.

Lifetime Centre in Brackley

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Written by Jo Gunnett | 25 November 2011

After many years, our existing Lifetime Centre that was formerly at Bridgewater House in Brackley has moved to a new location - Godwin Court, Brackley.

Providing essential Day Care services every Wednesday to local older people, the Centre is looking to recruit more volunteers in order to expand the client numbers.

Lifetime Centres are an essential service, offering our clients social interaction, cognitive and physical stimulation and emotional support. Often they are the only opportunity someone has to leave their home during the week.

Volunteers not only assist with the day to day running of the centre but provide continuity of care to the clients, building professional relationships through which Age UK Northamptonshire are able to develop further services and where needed, place preventative measures in place thus ensuring the well being of older people.

If you would like to become involved as a volunteer at Godwin Court, Brackley on a Wednesday please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator Jo Gunnett on 01604 611 200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details.

Alternatively, if you know of an older person from the South of the County who would benefit from attending the Centre, please contact our Service Advice team on 0845 677 2220.

HOSPITAL AFTERCARE VOLUNTEERS

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Written by Jo Gunnett | 18 August 2011

Hospital Aftercare is an essential service delivered to clients who have been discharged from hospital and who do not have adequate social or emotional support during their recovery period at home.

Volunteers are an integral part of this service as they offer a weekly visit, maintaining contact with the client and offering a listening ear.

The role involves visiting the client at home and staying for no longer than 1.5 hours. Some clients just want to sit down and have a chat over a cup of tea; other clients ask for a little practical help such as vacuuming the front room or doing a little local shopping or changing their bed linen - anything that assists the client whilst they regain their independence and strength. It is not intended as a Befriending service as the volunteer only visits for 6 weeks which takes the client up to their first out patient check up and supports the organisations objectives in encouraging older people to remain independent for as long as possible.

On no occasion is the volunteer expected to carry out any personal care or manual handling.

Age UK Northamptonshire is recruiting volunteers in the DAVENTRY area.

For further information, please contact Jo Gunnett, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01604 611 200 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

VOLUNTEERS IN OUR LIFETIME CENTRES

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Written by Jo Gunnett | 08 June 2011

VOLUNTEERS IN OUR LIFETIME CENTRES.

 “Lifetime Centres” is the Age UK Northamptonshire term for Day Care Centres. It describes the environment we endeavour to create for our clients who attend. We offer activities that promote mental and physical stimulation as well as a social element that is vital to the emotional wellbeing of older people who might otherwise be isolated. In order to deliver this service we depend on reliable and highly motivated volunteers who can not only offer the commitment but who can also engage with our clients. In return, volunteers can expect to feel an integral part of the Centre, as part of a supportive team. For those seeking employment within the care sector, we can offer valuable work experience, with fresh challenges and the possibility of training. The role is varied but is highly rewarding to those who have a natural empathy to older people.

 Listed below are current vacancies. Application forms can be obtained from Jo Gunnett, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01604 611 200 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

  • ELEANOR HOUSE, off Grange Road, Northampton: THURSDAYS and/or FRIDAYS
  • NENE DRIVE, Kingsheath, Northampton: TUESDAYS and/or THURSDAYS
  • WARWICK COURT, Daventry: MONDAYS and/or FRIDAYS

Launching Age UK Northamptonshire

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Written by Liam Condron | 19 April 2011

Iris Attwood and Eadie Lindsell launched the new name and logo for Age UK Northamptonshire today, 19thApril 2011. Eadie, pictured right, said that Age Concern had transformed her life and she was proud to cut the special celebration cake provided by Gardeners Bakery for the occasion after Iris cut the ribbon that launched Age UK Northamptonshire.

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