The Nationwide Foundation Approves Grant Of £270,000 For Age Concern Camden
500 older people in Camden will benefit from housing and income maximisation service
The Nationwide Foundation has approved a large grant of £270,000 to Age Concern Camden to improve financial inclusion for people aged over 50 in Camden. The service will primarily help people in the Somali community, as well as dementia sufferers and also older carers who are looking after an older relative. The funding will help older people in black and minority ethnic groups to access housing and financial advice, particularly where there is limited English spoken. The advice project covers a range of areas, such as welfare entitlements and housing. This funding will support the charity’s project for three years.
By delivering this service, Age Concern Camden will be able support around 500 older people who are Somalis or may be people living with dementia or older carers. The funding Age Concern has received from the Nationwide Foundation will enable a bilingual advisor to be recruited who will provide housing and financial expertise. A coordinator will also be recruited who will train and organise a team of volunteers as they seek to improve financial inclusion for carers or those with dementia.
As well as benefiting older people in Camden, Age Concern London will help Age Concern Camden to evaluate the project and research ways to generally improve financial inclusion in black and minority ethnic groups.
Lisa Parker, chief executive of The Nationwide Foundation, says: “We are delighted to be able to award this grant to Age Concern Camden. We know that older Somalis, who don’t speak English fluently, suffer a huge disadvantage when accessing welfare benefits, housing support and financial services that would improve their quality of life. In addition, it is imperative that dementia sufferers put their finances in order and plan for the future as early as possible. We look forward to supporting Age Concern Camden as they provide a much-needed contact point and advice service for these vulnerable older people.”
Gary Jones, chief executive officer of Age Concern Camden, said: “We are grateful to the Nationwide Foundation for funding this exciting project. As well as the Somali advice worker, we will be training volunteers in advice work, some of who will be based with partner voluntary organisations. Advice for older people and training local people are important at all times, but particularly during a recession.”
In addition to the large grants announced today, The Nationwide Foundation’s Small Grants Programme continues to make grants every two months. These grants are available up to £5,000 to registered charities with incomes of under £500,000. Charities wishing to apply for funding from The Nationwide Foundation should email enquiries@nationwidefoundation.org.uk or call 01793 655113.
Notes to editors:
The Nationwide Foundation is a registered charity (no 1065552) and has limited liability being a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (no. 3451979). Registered office address: Nationwide House, Pipers Way, Swindon, SN38 1NW.
The principle benefactor of The Nationwide Foundation is Nationwide Building Society.
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