On Friday, 10 January, the first external charity presentation of the year took place. The Provincial Charity Steward, W.Bro Steve Rozier, along with W.Bros Dave Stock and Kieron Lockyer from the Provincial Charity Committee, attended one of Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks, and Tonbridge’s premises. There, they met with Kate Barnes (pictured third from the left), the Fundraising Manager, and Louise MacPherson (pictured first from the left), the CEO, to formally present the charity with four tablets purchased by the Province.
Age UK’s outreach workers, who often work alone, visit service users in their homes, where they are required to take extensive notes and maintain records. The tablets eliminate the need for paper records, allowing data to be transferred immediately and securely. This process not only saves valuable time that can be redirected to other tasks but also enhances the safety of outreach workers. With the ability to track when workers have safely left premises, the tablets provide additional security for those working alone, as they visit locations without prior knowledge of the circumstances they may encounter.
The tablets, as shown in the photograph, clearly display the West Kent logo.
In addition to the tablet donation, the charity team also presented activity books designed by their colleagues in Essex. These books are intended to stimulate cognitive activity among service users.
Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks, and Tonbridge offer a free, confidential information and advice service for older people, their families, and carers in the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge areas, with plans to extend this service to Maidstone in the near future.
Kate Barnes provided the following information about the charity’s services, which are available to those in the West Kent area:
- Welfare Benefits Advice: For those over retirement age, helping identify and calculate benefits and assisting with claim form completion.
- Care and Support: Guidance on accessing social services and advice on funding care and support.
- Housing Advice: Information on maintaining properties and options for older people who may need additional support or wish to move closer to family and friends.
- Local Services and Activities: Advice on available services, support groups, activities, and concessions in the local area.
- Financial Assistance: Support for individuals struggling to make ends meet or pay bills.
The Information and Advice team works across the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge areas, with services accessible in the following ways:
- Phone: 01732 336100 (Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 4 pm, with an answerphone service outside of these hours and on Bank Holidays).
- Email: office@ageukmst.org.uk
- In Person: At the Tonbridge office or through outreach appointments.
- Home Visits: The service can also arrange visits to individuals at their homes.
As we all grow older, so do our loved ones, and Age UK has provided invaluable support to many individuals in the past. Brethren can take great pride in the positive impact they continue to make in their communities through their charitable contributions.
