A total of £1.17 million has been awarded to eight charities supporting older people living in coastal areas across England and Wales, boosting their work to improve the financial wellbeing of older people in their area and ensure their homes are safe and suitable. The funding comes from Independent Age, the national charity committed to tackling poverty in later life, through the second round of its Older People’s Fund.
This funding round focuses on coastal communities with high numbers of older private renters, a group shown to be at greater risk of financial hardship. Research indicates that 37% of older private renters in these areas experience relative income poverty after housing costs. ¹
The eight charities to receive funding are:
Wales
Citizens Advice Denbighshire
South West
Age UK Torbay
Windmill Torbay
East Midlands
Age UK Lincolnshire
North West
Age UK Lancashire
Lancashire Women
South East
Citizens Advice Swale
Age UK East Sussex
The grants range from £116,000 to £150,000 over three years (equivalent to £38,000–£50,000 per year). To find out more about the Fund, visit: www.independentage.org/grant-making/older-peoples-fund-2025
Independent Age is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people facing financial hardship. It offers free, practical support through its helpline and expert advisers, and since 2021, has awarded over 130 grants to local organisations supporting older people across the UK. The charity also raises awareness of poverty in later life and campaigns for lasting change.
Hannah Lison, Head of Grants and Partnerships at Independent Age, said:
“We’re delighted to announce eight new grant partners in this latest round of the Older People’s Fund. Each of them plays a crucial role in supporting older people experiencing financial hardship, in coastal and their surrounding rural communities across England and Wales. Our research shows that older private renters in these areas often face significant challenges, and these organisations are already doing remarkable work to help address them.
“This funding will enable our partners to continue, strengthen, and expand the vital support they provide. We’re incredibly proud to support such dedicated local organisations that understand the needs of their communities so well.
“With this new round of grants, we’re building on the 50 projects we currently fund through our grants programmes . We will be launching new funds in 2026, if you think your organisation could benefit, visit our website or contact our Grants team to learn more about future opportunities.”