Age Concern Bristol’s area covers the City and County of Bristol, one of the largest cities in Britain and the largest conurbation in the South West. The unitary local authority has no rural areas within its boundaries.

We were formed in 1994 by a small dedicated group of Trustees, the Roundhouse Day Centre in Stockwood was taken over from Age Concern Avon and our premises in Redcliffe Parade were small. We soon grew out of those and moved into our current premises at Canningford House, Victoria Street (near Bristol Bridge) in 1996. We have recently expanded again taking on the 5th floor.

Age Concern Bristol is an independent local charity, federated to Age Concern (a federation of about 400 independent charities) working together with and for older people locally, regionally and nationally. All Federation Members work to a quality assurance system which ensures quality in all we do with and for older people. Age Concern England, as the national Member, supports and works with local Age Concerns, as well as providing leadership in areas like campaigning and policy.

We started with only a few staff and volunteers and have grown to 35 staff and nearly 90 volunteers (amazing individuals of all ages and skills who give their time free to help others).

Over this period a range of services have been developed which reflect our commitment to:

• Promoting effective care for and services available to older people.
• Encouraging choice and opportunity for older people.
• Promoting positive attitudes towards older people.
• Influencing and developing public policies that affect older people.

 

1994 – Information and Advice

1994 - Roundhouse Day Centre

1995 – Insurance and Trading Service

1995 - Practical Services

1999 – Befriending

2002 – Volunteer Co-ordination

2003 – Supporting Older People Service

2005 – Befriending replaced by new Link-Up Service

 

For further information about Age Concern Bristol's achievements over the last year please look through our Annual Review.