AGE Concern St Helens has set up a special group to plan a series of fundraising events which will help it to expand its caring services as more people live longer.

Chief Executive for Age Concern, Philip Longworth, said: "It should enable us to be able to respond more quickly to urgent needs and this will be essential if we are to develop our services for the future.

"Although we are supported by the local authority and receive some funds from trusts, income from the charity shop and insurance commissions, this will not be sufficient in future to expand and develop.

"We are now beginning the 25th anniversary year of Age Concern St Helens and the first event for the fundraising group will be a family fun day linked to National Heritage Day on Sunday, September 12, between 2pm and 4pm." The event will provide an opportunity to look round the Mansion House, which is a Grade II listed building, and join in some of the activities designed for both young and old.

Philip Longworth continued: "The need for Age Concern's services has never been greater and we are trying to reposition ourselves to enable us to provide high quality services to a greater number of people in the future.

"Within St Helens over the next 20 years, we expect the population above the age of 60 to increase by just over 27 per cent, and the number of people aged 85 and above will increase by approximately 38 per cent.

"The services include daycare, insurance, information and advice, transport and community services and all will need to be developed if we are to continue to make a significant contribution to the quality of life for older people."

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