Independent Age is a registered charity which supports thousands of older people across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The charity offers a 'helping hand from a trusted friend', tackling older people's poverty and loneliness by offering information, advice and friendship.

Services

All people supported by Independent Age receive information about benefits and other issues affecting older people, ongoing support from a helpline and newsletters, and membership of the Independent Age community, with the opportunity to participate in events and build friendships with others.

Independent Age offers more services to older people in the very greatest need. These include: regular befriending and support from an Independent Age volunteer; detailed assessment and casework; practical support and financial help in emergencies.

Independent Age supports people over 70 who are in financial need. Older people accepted by the charity are supported for as long as they need assistance - in many cases, for life.

Background Information

In 2007, the charity provided £5.41 million in support to 5300 older people in the United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

 and the Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...

. This support includes emergency grants, mobility aids

Mobility aids

Mobility aids are devices designed to assist walking or otherwise improve the mobility of people with a mobility impairment.There are various walking aids which can help with impaired ability to walk and wheelchairs or mobility scooters for more severe disability or longer journeys which would...

 and equipment, clothing packs for hospital stays, and the friendship of a network of volunteer visitors.

Until 2005, Independent Age was known as RUKBA, an acronym for the Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association. It is still registered under this name with the Charity Commission

Charity Commission

The Charity Commission for England and Wales is the non-ministerial government department that regulates registered charities in England and Wales....

. Its current royal patron is Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy

Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy

Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy is the youngest granddaughter of King George V of the United Kingdom and Mary of Teck. She is the widow of Sir Angus Ogilvy...

.

In July 2011, Independent Age announced plans to merge with UK charity Counsel and Care

Counsel and Care

Counsel and Care is a national advice service working with older people, their families and carers to get the best care and support.-Background:...

, which offers information and advice to older people, their families, and carers. Under the terms of the merger, Independent Age will act as the Managing Trustee of Counsel and Care.

External links

Independent Age in the United Kingdom:

• Independent Age website
• Royal United Kingdom Beneficient Association, Registered Charity no. 210729 at the Charity Commission
  Charity Commission
  The Charity Commission for England and Wales is the non-ministerial government department that regulates registered charities in England and Wales....
  
  

Independent Age in the Republic of Ireland:

• Independent Age Ireland website

Counsel and Care:

• Counsel and Care website