Age Concern shuts in Swindon 

Closure ends 60 years of service for elderly people

 

Last days of Age Concern: the Swindon service will end on 31 March

After 60 years serving the elderly people of Swindon, Age Concern have announced they are shutting at the end of March.

 

The charity currently help over 50,000 old people in the area and ironically blame a shortfall in their own pension fund for the closure.

 

"We would have to pay £40,000 a year into the fund over the next 10 years just to pay our own way," said a disappointed Jo Osorio, director of the Swindon office.

 

"We just can't afford that. And with fewer donations coming in because of the current economic downturn we have taken the decision to end the Age Concern service in Swindon.

 

"Everyone here is extremely shocked and disappointed by the news." 

 

Swindon Borough Council have indicated they will be doing everything they can to continue the services Age Concern currently provide, which includes a help and advice centre in Milton Road; a volunteer visiting/befriending service; an advocacy service; wheelchair loan; plus support for a number of day centres and lunch clubs.