Update:

We now have these limited edition 70th Birthday medals for everyone who has taken on a Platinum Challenge to support local older people. It's not too late to sign up for a challenge and recieve your own Platinum Challenge medal!

Have you ever wanted to set yourself a physical challenge?

You could run a virtual marathon, climb one of the famous Shropshire Hills, cycle simply take a walk in your local park or garden to raise funds for local older people.

To mark our 70th year of supporting older people across Telford & Shropshire we are asking everyone to complete a Platinum challenge to support older people in three key areas:

- Reducing loneliness and isolation

Its estimated over 10,000 older people in Shropshire are desperately lonely. We want to be on hand to listen, offer older people greater opportunities to connect family and friends digitally.

- Supporting people living with dementia

Over 7,000 older people are living with dementia in Shropshire. We want to support carers who are looking after loved ones, help them get a referral to the memory service and provide stimulating activities for those living with the illness.

- Providing information and advice

With £24 million in unclaimed benefits for 10,400 households in Shropshire, and a rise in the number of older people living in poverty, we want to help older people receive the benefits they are entitled to.

Need some challenge ideas? Download our fundraising pack here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford/get-involved/platinum-challenge/

The numbers of older people needing support have most likely risen from these figures due to the pandemic. During this difficult time, we were able to adjust services and meet the needs of local older people but as we move through the pandemic we will need your help to continue the support given across Telford & Shropshire and look forward to the next 70 years.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is a local charity supporting local older people where you live.

Thank you