History of Age Concern
Age Concern is inextricably linked to the upheaval of the Second World War. The war made life more difficult for older people in many ways but also revealed their existing problems, particularly the unsuitability of Poor Law provision. In 1940, representatives of national voluntary bodies concerned with older people and government departments were called together to a conference to consider these issues. This led within a year to the formation of the Old People's Welfare Committee chaired by Eleanor Rathbone. The Committee quickly gained official recognition. In 1944, the OPWC adopted the title National Old People’s Welfare Committee (NOPWC) to distinguish it from the growing number of local committees. The NOPWC agreed upon a model constitution for local OPWCs, deciding that their functions would be to co-ordinate and facilitate local action. The dawning of the welfare state in the 1950s did not impede the development of either the NOPWC or the OPWCs. Money became available from local and central government to fund their work. Between 1950 and 1952, the number of OPWCs rose from 378 to 831. In 1955, the NOPWC became a Council rather than a committee to emphasise and explain its co-ordinating role. The number of local committees continued to grow in the sixties and the NOPWC was active in “Pioneer Work”, developing new services. Since its inception, the NOPWC had been an associated group of the National Council of Social Services. In 1971, it became completely independent. The new name of Age Concern was adopted, to be carried alongside the constitutional title of NOPWC. The great majority of local groups gradually began to use the name Age Concern. They benefited from a unified image, a well-known public name and a name which correctly suggests that they are no longer simply co-ordination bodies but also instigators and providers of direct services. A major review of Age Concern England was undertaken over a period of several years. The process was designed to equip Age Concern to face the challenges of the next century. The exercise culminated in the establishment of Age Concern, the federation in June 2000. Developments continue … we look to the future |
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Welcome to Age Concern Feltham Hanworth and Bedfont Making a difference to our older community |
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Feltham, Hanworth and Bedfont |
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