Age UK Isle of Wight has announced their upcoming move to St Thomas House in St Thomas’ Square, as part of a shift towards a more community-focused approach. The charity has undertaken significant review on their current office building and found that it no longer meets their needs in terms of accessibility, cost, and functionality.
The charity is currently based at St Thomas’ Chambers on Newport High Street. The building has no designated parking for clients and due to its listed status, cannot be renovated to become more accessible.
Making services more accessible and visible
The charity has substantially increased its number of community-based workers since the covid pandemic, when many organisations began operating in a new way. With a reduced number of office-based staff, the charity’s main priority is meeting clients in the locations where they reside, or at nearby locations, making their services more accessible and visible.
“A more cost-effective space than our current location”
The new space in St Thomas’ Square will primarily serve for back-office functions, with meeting rooms available when necessary.
The charity explains,
“Our main priority is meeting those we serve in the communities where they reside, at accessible locations that are convenient for them.
“The move will mean our offices are a more cost-effective space than our current location. It will allow us to refocus our funds into serving the community in the best way possible way.”
New locations for drop-ins
In preparation for the move, Age UK Isle of Wight has been actively seeking out Island locations for regular community drop-ins, hubs, and event attendance.
The charity can now be found at County Hall three days a week, as well as at Parkland’s Café every Friday morning. Additionally, they have a team stationed at St Mary’s, supporting older people where it is most needed.
Digital support in libraries
Age UK Isle of Wight’s presence extends to libraries, where they offer digital support, as well as regular community attendance in locations in Ventnor and Mountbatten. The charity is committed to finding more locations across the Island to reach those who need their services.
Chatty Brews
The charity also hosts monthly gatherings at various Island locations called Chatty Brews, which are free to attend and serve as a social event and a drop-in session.
The charity aims to have completed the move by October 2024.
Find out more
More information on these events can be found on Age UK Isle of Wight’s website or by calling the charity on (01983) 525282. That charity also publishes their event attendance on their social media pages on a frequent basis.
News shared by Cally on behalf of Age UK Isle of Wight/ Ed
