About us

Second World War made life much harder for older people.  As families became separated, or lost their main breadwinner, the problems faced by older people were compounded.  People soon realised that the 'poor law' provision of the time was woefully inadequate.

In 1940 a group of individuals, as well as governmental and voluntary organisations came together to discuss how this situation could be improved. As a result the Old People's Welfare Committee, chaired by Eleanor Rathbone, was born.

This committee soon gained national recognition and in 1944 it became known as the National Old People's Welfare Committee (NOPWC), to distinguish it from the many local organisations around with the same name. The NOPWC now began to co-ordinate and facilitate the work of these local committies.

1950 - 1970
With the birth of the welfare state in the 1950s, local and national government money became available to fund local work with older people.  Between 1951 and 1953, the number of committees more than doubled anfd continued to grow throught the 1960s. Age Concern begins to run  training courses - for wardens of old people's homes.

1970s
In 1971 the NOPWC became completely independent of government. It also got a new name - Age Concern.

The name was a hit - rather than a 'committee' the new name showed that local groups provided essential services to older people and actually got things done! Many local groups also became 'Age Concern's'.

Age Concern begins to work with older people from ethnic minority groups.

1980s
High unemployment in the early 80s means that Age Concern joins in government job-creation and training schemes. Age Concern England becomes a national agent for schemes run by local groups.

Age Concern draws attention to the plight of older workers who were unable to return to work because of long-term unemployment or redundancy.

1990s
This was a decade of social, political and financial change. The voluntary sector once again found itself providing essential welfare services

A major review of the Age Concern organisation prepared for the challenges of the new century.

2000 onwards
The 21st Century poses a new set of challenges and opportunities for Age Concern. One of the great achievements of the last century is increased longevity.  Better health and nutrition and a drop in birthrates means that in thirty years time, 19 million people in the UK - one third of the population - will be over 60 years old. As people live longer Age Concern must ensure their needs continue to be met. For more in-depth information, please download the document below - Age Concern's History.