Charity saddened by job losses after Staffordshire lifeline service goes into administration
A county council is putting support in place to help elderly Staffordshire residents after a lifeline service ceased trading resulting in job losses.
The independently operated body Age UK Staffordshire which also served customers in Cannock, Lichfield, South Staffordshire and Tamworth closed on December 2 after going into administration on November 28 resulting in an undisclosed number of redundancies.
The service based in Haling Dene Centre in Cannock Road, Penkridge, blamed financial challenges due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis for the decision to close down.
In response Staffordshire County Council said as a priority alternative arrangements were being put in place for its service users who attended day centres and other activities with support from Age UK Staffordshire.
London based joint administrators Azets Ltd are handling the affairs of the charity which also served customers in the Telford & Wrekin area.
In a statement Age UK said: "We are deeply saddened that it has come to a closure decision and understand that this news is upsetting for everyone involved. We are mindful that this news will be upsetting for the older people that Age UK Staffordshire supported, as well as their staff, volunteers and stakeholders.
"Each local Age UK operates independently as a separate charity with its own board of trustees and management team, while sharing a common commitment to supporting older people.
"Age UK Staffordshire has faced a number of financial challenges due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and then the ongoing cost of living crisis, both of which have placed huge pressure on available resources. Unfortunately their Board of Trustees have made the difficult decision to cease operating from Thursday 28 November, meaning that the charity is no longer able to continue offering services to older people across Staffordshire.
"Any older person or their families looking for help can contact the Age UK national advice line on 0800 169 6565.
"All those who qualify for redundancy have been made redundant. "
It also said all service users and staff had been informed of the closure.
Separately run branches including Stafford & District Age UK which organise activities are still serving communities.
Staffordshire's health and social care chief Councillor Jeremy Pert said : “Age UK Staffordshire have been a longstanding provider of services to some of our residents and I would like to thank them for all that they have done during this time. Voluntary sector organisations as a whole have had a difficult time over the past few years, and we remain committed to working with organisations such as Support Staffordshire so we can continue to help those organisations wherever possible.
“Our priority now is to ensure alternative arrangements are put in place for our service users who currently access day opportunities from Age UK Staffordshire. We know Age UK Staffordshire also provides services to a number of private individuals, and we are happy to signpost these to other available services.
“We will continue to work with Age UK Staffordshire, the people we support and their families to ensure a smooth transition over to the new arrangements," Councillor Pert said.
Support is also available from network Staffordshire Connects.
Joint administrator Azets can be contacted on 020 7403 1877.
