Two Lewes charities merge to strengthen support for older people
Two long-standing charities supporting older people in Lewes have officially joined forces in a move designed to protect and strengthen local services.
Age UK East Sussex and Lewes House of Friendship have merged, bringing together decades of experience to increase resilience and ensure long-term support for older people in the town and surrounding area.
About Lewes House of Friendship
Lewes House of Friendship, based at 208 High Street, was founded in the 1970s and has provided a welcoming space for older residents for more than 50 years. The charity offers companionship, activities and freshly cooked, affordable meals, with the house open every weekday from 9.30am and lunches served at 12.30pm. Activities include a choir, craft sessions and exercise classes, as well as meal deliveries for those who need them.
About Age UK East Sussex
Age UK East Sussex is the county’s leading charity for older people, directly supporting around 24,000 people each year. Its services include information and advice on health, care, money and legal matters, befriending support for those experiencing loneliness, and specialist help through GP practices for people with more complex needs.
Leaders from both organisations said the merger reflects rising demand for support and increasing pressures on older people, particularly in light of the cost-of-living and cost-of-care challenges.
Polly Senter, Chair of Lewes House of Friendship, said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue the important work started over fifty years ago by our founders. By joining with Age UK East Sussex, we can strengthen the support available to our members and help many more local older people to live well.”
Steve Hare, Chief Executive of Age UK East Sussex, added:
“We have always had a strong and positive relationship with our colleagues at the Lewes House of Friendship. For many years we have worked side by side to support older people in Lewes and East Sussex. With a growing older population and increasing pressures from the cost-of-living and cost-of-care crises, this merger will protect and enhance local services while bringing together the strengths and expertise of both organisations.”
Nothing will change at Lewes House of Friendship
Importantly, there will be no immediate changes to services at Lewes House of Friendship. The name will remain, the building will continue operating as usual, and all current activities and lunches will continue.
The merger will also provide members with access to wider county-wide support through Age UK East Sussex, while ensuring the much-loved community atmosphere of the House of Friendship is preserved.
New members remain welcome to join by dropping in, calling 01273 476469 or visiting www.lewes-hof.org. Further information about Age UK East Sussex services is available at www.ageukeastsussex.org.uk.