A NEW shop to support elderly people in Wyre Forest has been opened in Stourport.

Mayor Vi Higgs and dignitaries from Age UK unveiled the new store, based in Lower Lickhill Road, at an event held on Tuesday (November 14).

Money raised from sales at the shop will go towards providing services for people over the age of 50.

This is the latest development for Age UK’s relaunched services in the district, following the merger of its Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest branches to create an independent charity for people in North Worcestershire.

Statistics released by the charity show that Wyre Forest has a relatively large older population and the highest number of over 65s compared with its neighbouring areas.

There are more than 50,300 people over the age of 50 in the district while 23.8 per cent of registered population are aged over 65. This is much higher than 18.9 per cent in Redditch & Bromsgrove and the national average of 17.2 per cent.

And current projections show the number of people over 75 will rise significantly between now and 2026.

Age UK CEO Alison Schofield said: “Just under 18 months ago we merged the Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest to create a new independent charity that is better positioned to deliver a spectrum of high quality services which improve independence and inclusion for all people over the age of 50 in North Worcestershire.

“We are determined to proactively raise the profile of the needs of these people, and to be an active voice for our community.

“With an increasing ageing population, funding cuts and pressures on health and social care, these are challenging times and the need for support has never been greater.

“We know that being able to continue to live independently at home is a key priority for people, which is why we are currently in the process of reviewing our existing Help at Home, Handyman and Gardening services, with a view to launching a new integrated service in early 2018.

We are the only local charity that supports everybody aged over 50. Our vision for the next five years is to make North Worcestershire a better place for people to grow old.

“But to do this we need the support and involvement of people living locally – from providing us with feedback and telling us of your needs; through to volunteering, fundraising and supporting our local Retail shops, which is currently our main source of income.”

For more information about Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest people can contact 01527 871840 or email enquires@ageukbrwf.org.uk