What we do
We make a real and positive difference to the lives of over 4,000 people every year by supporting them when they need us.
The challenges we face
An ageing population living through a prolonged cost of living crisis
An estimated fifth of people aged 75 and over are living below the poverty line and these figures are only getting worse. The Trussel Trust reports that pensioners’ use of food banks has increased by 345% between 2018/19 and 2023/24. Similarly, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has found the number of pensioners facing destitution has increased by 254%.
The situation is more pronounced here in North East Essex, which is home to 106,000 people aged over 65; an increase of 25.6% (compared with the national average increase of 20.1%) between 2011 and 2021. In addition to this, the Tendring district has a high proportion of older people with low income households. It’s estimated that 16.5% of Tendring households have an income of less than £15K and need extra care and support at home.
Loneliness and social isolation
Some people do not see another person for days on end. With television or the radio as their only company, life can feel incredibly lonely. Over time, these feelings of loneliness can seriously impact a person’s mental and physical wellbeing, increasing the potential for depression, stroke, heart disease, and cognitive decline. It has even been linked to early death.
Extreme social isolation like this affects as many as 80,000 older people in Essex.
These stark figures are warning of an impending crisis and suggest that the need for our services will only increase.
How we help
Welfare and advice
Our Welfare Advice Service empowers people to maintain their independence and provides crucial support before a situation reaches crisis point. With empathy and understanding, we help people to articulate their individual needs and provide validation and acknowledgement of their circumstances. We breakdown the barriers caused by shame and stigma and identify the needs associated with health, finance, and social isolation.
Through this we help people to access financial benefits and entitlements which last year alone was worth almost £1.7m. We provide advice and information regarding pensions, benefits & entitlements, housing, Blue Badge disability parking permit applications, and assisting people to keep safe from increasing cybercrime and fraud.  We also provide advice to those seeking help with their mental wellbeing, helping to navigate and connect people to local health services and where appropriate community groups, clubs and activities to strengthen resilience.
Information Hub
Our compassionate, highly skilled team are brilliant listeners. They understand that a simple question can often hide more difficult challenges. As the first point of contact, the Information Hub guides people to the right support, whether that’s a trusted tradesperson, a local community group, one of our specialist services, or an external organisation better suited to their needs.
Community and friendship
With the support of over 270 dedicated volunteers, we bring people together across Essex through one-to-one befriending, peer connection and online and in-person friendship groups. For those who can go days without meaningful contact, we offer real connection and friendship.
In Colchester, we host dementia inclusive community groups where people can enjoy activities like dancing, crafts, knitting, or simply sharing a coffee. With options running throughout the week, there’s something for everyone.
Through these friendships, we often spot other needs too, whether it’s benefits or housing advice, trusted local services, carer support, or personalised dementia support. A simple conversation can open the door to the right help at the right time.
Digital Inclusion
Digital Friends is a free service for adults aged 60+ across Essex who struggle to access their community and need digital skills support in the comfort of their own homes. We help older people build confidence with everyday technology so they can stay connected, informed and independent.
Our trained volunteers provide patient, one to one support at a pace that suits each person. This might include learning how to use a smartphone or tablet, setting up and managing email, accessing NHS and GP online services, shopping online safely, or keeping in touch with family and friends through video calls and messaging.
We focus on reducing barriers, building practical skills and ensuring older adults are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.
We can make a real difference to you or someone you know.
We are here for people in later years. We empower you to age well.
Our vision
To be the go-to place for people to feel connected, informed and included as they grow older
Ways to give
Every gift helps us to support people across Essex to age well
News
Read our latest news, stories and updates from our local community.