Age Concern Neath Port Talbot - 10 years old (published 2008)

As Age Concern Neath Port Talbot celebrates its 10 anniversary, it seems an appropriate time to look back as well as forward.

Our role is to help maintain the independence and quality of life of older people. In Neath Port Talbot that's no small task - we've an ageing population among the highest in Wales. Each year we support over 6000 clients. In addition, through our awareness raising campaigns, talks programme and general distribution of information, we reach many more.

While our services and support are free to older people and their carers, they are not without cost to us! Our Board has maintained the commitment to services and support where possible - but this has not been easy, as usually we have to raise our own funds. The more people we help, the more bills we have to pay!

Last year, we were very fortunate, as Warm Wales raised £10,000 through a sponsored Golf Day (which was the largest donation ever received, and gave a wonderful start to our 10^th Anniversary Appeal). Also, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council provided a one - off grant of £20,000 to help us out of our immediate financial difficulties.

Age Concern Neath Port Talbot is a very different organisation now, compared to ten years ago. But, we have grown in expertise, rather than size! With three part- time head office staff, and only six project officers working across the county borough, its only possible to achieve the results we do because of our wonderful volunteers.

We are experts in the provision of information, advice and advocacy. We are committed to health promotion - last year our South Asian recipe development project won a National Food Standards Agency Award. More recently, we have become involved in financial planning for retirement. Our Money Matters project has exceeded all expectations in the first year, thanks to the involvement of employee volunteers and their companies. In addition, we represent older people and their carers through lobbying and campaigns. We also work behind the scenes. As an example, our Chief Officer Chairs the Independence and Quality of Life for Older People cross- sector working group, which I commend to you as a wonderful example of partnership working.

It is incredible that our first bank account was opened with just £8, donated by founder trustees! This has proved a sound investment, as since that time Age Concern Neath Port Talbot has raised over £1.6 million in grants to provide services which would not have been available without our fundraising efforts, and over £10 million in previously unclaimed welfare benefits for local older people.

This year for of our 10^th Anniversary Appeal we are launching a community fundraising initiative, which includes a Legacy Campaign. As always, we are most appreciative of donations of any size! Please give generously to ensure that Neath Port Talbot continues to benefit from its very own Age Concern.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chief Executive, Ann Collins, and all the staff of the organisation for the excellent work that is being done on behalf of the over 50's. I would also like to pay tribute to our many volunteers, who give their time and expertise willingly, and unpaid, in order to assist others. To achieve our goals, we collaborate with innumerable organisations in the voluntary, statutory and business sectors.

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone involved with Age Concern Neath Port Talbot over the last ten years!

Doreen Jones

Honorary Chairperson

10 Years Old

Decennial Anniversary

Message from Doreen Jones about Age Concern Neath Port Talbot and the 10 year anniversary.

• Please click here for our birthday messages