Vision Our vision is for Gloucestershire to be the best county in the UK in which to grow older. Mission To achieve our vision, AUKG will lead the way as the independent charity who are local, trusted experts in later life. AUKG will prioritise efforts that make the most impact on older people being able to: Better navigate later life Stay independent at home Connect with family, friends and the community

Our Values We believe passionately that everyone has the right to a safe and enjoyable later life.   We celebrate the positive contribution that older people make to our community. We want older people to use their personal strengths and local networks to meet their changing needs. We want the environment at AUKG to empower our staff and volunteers to be able to use their personal strengths in order to deliver the best for older people. We are proactive in mobilising the whole community (including statutory, commercial and voluntary sector partners) to work with us in finding the solutions to the needs of older people as individuals and a collective. We are a can-do team, positive about later life and our ability as a creative, professional organisation to find a way to make a real difference to older people and our community.

Our Approach: A Catalyst We are a champion of older people’s issues and a catalyst for better responses to ageing in Gloucestershire. We are leaving other organisations to be long term ‘service providers’ whilst we: Focus on filling gaps, not duplicating what the market is already able to do. Test things which may make a difference to older people, not continuing with approaches which do not work or that other agencies are better placed to deliver long term. Innovate: meaning bringing and applying best practice to the local context, not ‘new for the sake of new’ Shape what works, but not necessarily to keep to ourselves. If something works, we will consider the best options for embedding that long term, rather than assuming AUKG will be the permanent delivery agents. AUKG as an incubator. Work through partnerships: With VCS partners to expand our reach, reduce duplication and improve overall offer to older people. With statutory partners to enhance the effectiveness of the system in meeting the needs of older people.

Age-Inclusive Gloucestershire Age UK Gloucestershire is a local, independent charity working to make Gloucestershire the best county in which to grow older. We choose to be affiliated to the national Age UK network, whilst remaining proud of our more than 35 years as a Gloucestershire charity. Ageing is an issue that impacts on everyone. It is not an affliction suffered by a few or something anyone can avoid. We also know, however, that people’s experience of ageing varies greatly. So whilst we celebrate the positive impact that older people make in our community, Age UK Gloucestershire also seek to improve the situation for those whose later life is impacted by poverty, isolation, and difficulties caused by a lack of knowledge about how to respond to the challenges caused as we age. Crucially, we believe that where people live is an important determinant on how they experience later life. Neighbourhoods and communities provide many of the resources and opportunities for a better later life. As such, our approach seeks to encourage, empower and enable local communities to be positive places for older people living there. Ultimately, we want all parts of Gloucestershire to be age-friendly communities - places that are accessible, responsive, inclusive and safe places for all ages. To achieve this Age UK Gloucestershire: Provide practical advice and encouragement to those seeking to improve their local community for older people. Champion the vital and varied contribution that older people make to our communities. Speak up about local issues that do not promote age-inclusion. Listen to older people to understand their experience of ageing in their specific community.

Our Current Focusses Helping individuals to navigate later life One Stop Information Service Joining Forces: Veterans Pathway Better Later Lives – information and advice casework Benefits Support – maximising income Life Changes Project (Gloucester) Supporting wider systems to respond better to older people Out of Hospital Service – support on discharge to regain independence. Dementia Project (Pilot) – support to avoid a crisis admission My Life My Plan (Pilot) – accessing Personal Health Budgets Engaging wider community to be age-inclusive Community Activities (choirs, walking sports etc) OneDigital Project Outreach events and activity Communications and Campaigns