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Did you know that 2.3 million older people in the UK will experience loneliness this Christmas? That’s why, this December, we’re proud to partner with the incredible Age Concern Eastbourne, a local charity devoted to improving the lives of our older community members.
Who is Age Concern?
Age Concern Eastbourne is a vital independent charity supporting older people across Eastbourne and the surrounding areas. Every penny raised in the community stays in the community, helping fund an impressive range of services, activities, and practical support that make a real difference to later life.
At the heart of their work is the William and Patricia Venton Centre on Junction Road, a welcoming drop-in hub offering everything from social activities to expert advice, along with a vibrant modern café. The charity also runs four much-loved shops across the town in Grove Road, Hampden Park, Green Street, and Langney Shopping Centre, all helping to raise essential funds. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of local supporters, Age Concern Eastbourne continues to create brighter, more connected lives for older people, and together, we can help that impact grow even further.
The William and Patricia Venton Centre
Two members of our Coda Pharmacy team, Chris and Molly, recently had the pleasure of visiting the William and Patricia Venton Centre to dive into life at Age Concern and meet some of their incredible staff, volunteers and service users.
Age Concern has been running for 75 years and their Venton Centre just celebrated 25 years since it was formally opened by King Charles III. Within the Venton Centre, Age Concerns dementia-friendly Day Club offers a warm, welcoming space where trained staff and dedicated volunteers create a social and supportive environment.
Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, the club provides flexible attendance, whether someone wants to drop in once a week or enjoy the space every day. It’s a wonderful place to build friendships, take part in light-hearted quizzes and games, share memories, or simply relax and chat with others. All activities are gentle, therapeutic, and designed to help everyone feel comfortable and included, with no pressure to join in. While there is a small cost for attendance, the Day Club delivers invaluable companionship and connection for those living with dementia and their families.
Joe, Receptionist at Age Concern, said: “A gentleman who was crippled with depression and anxiety and hadn't been out in the community for years, he came here and we helped him. He started playing piano for our day club and now does that every Friday and even goes to local hotels to play for them as his job. It’s very cool to see someone go from crippling anxiety to coming here every Friday."
Activities and Services
While at the Venton Centre, over 50s can take part in physical activities including a morning beach walk, dance classes, tai chi senior seated exercises, choir, seated pilates and acting workshops.
They also offer a wide range of services including, free welfare rights and information advice and homecare support including personal care, cleaning and shopping at a price. They also provide a range of beauty treatments such as a hair salon, acupuncture, podiatry, ear wax removal and nail care.
For more information on Age Concerns activities, please find their timetable here.
Jennifer, service user at Age Concern, said: “Joining Age Concern has been life changing. Tuesday here is my best day, I come and I know I am going to get to see my friends, have a meal here and it's just great.”
The Eastbourne Shed Project
Age Concern also have their Sheds. The Eastbourne Shed Project began in a garage on Myrtle Road in 2014. With support from Lottery funding, membership fees, and individual fundraising efforts, it has since expanded to three locations across the town: Eastbourne Shed, Langney Shed at Langney Priory, and Hampden Park Shed.
The Sheds are open to people aged 50 and over, providing a space where members can work alongside others in a relaxed, workshop-style environment. Activities include woodworking, woodturning, refurbishing old tools and machinery, as well as working on personal and community projects. The aim is to offer a place where people can stay active, share skills, and spend time with others.
Coda’s Molly and Kim also had the opportunity to visit the Hampden Park Shed and meet the team there. The Shed is open Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 4pm, and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time.
Linda, Hampden Park Shed Coordinator said: “You don’t have to craft, if all you want is to have a cuppa you can come in and have a chat and go home again, or if you have a project you’re working on you can bring that with you and stay all day.”
We can’t thank Age Concern enough for welcoming us to their wonderful Venton Centre and Hampden Park Shed. It has been such a pleasure learning about the incredible work their team does to support over 50s in our community. We can’t wait to share more from our time with Age Concern as our December Charity of the Month, follow our socials to be the first to see: Facebook Instagram YouTube
Support, Donations and Volunteering
For more information on how Age Concern can support you or a loved one, visit https://www.ageconcerneastbourne.org.uk/
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/ageconcerneastbourne/donate
Thinking of volunteering? Find out more here, https://www.ageconcerneastbourne.org.uk/volunteering
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From offering expert advice to delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.