Age UK West Cumbria has announced it is closing down – and all its charity shops will close their doors on May 31 – due to financial difficulties.
Set up in 1979 as Age Concern Copeland and Age Concern Allerdale, it evolved into Age Concern Northwest Cumbria in 1993, before becoming Age UK West Cumbria in February 2011.
It raised funds via its six charity shops in Cleator Moor, Cockermouth, Egremont, Wigton, Workington and Whitehaven, plus its equipment shop in Workington, to deliver services to help people stay active, healthy, independent and involved in their communities.
But a post on its Facebook page said it will cease to trade on Friday May 31 and all retail sites will close.
Closing down sales have begun, with everything £1 or less.
A spokesman for Age UK West Cumbria said: “Age UK West Cumbria has faced a number of financial challenges and unfortunately the board of trustees have made the difficult decision to cease operating on Friday May 31 meaning that the charity is no longer able to continue offering services to older people across West Cumbria.
“We are sad and disappointed that it has come to this. As you would expect our number one priority is how we can now best support older people in the area and we are now looking at the best way this can be achieved locally.
“We are mindful that this news will be upsetting for the older people that we support, as well as our staff, volunteers and stakeholders.
“We have contacted everyone that will be affected by this news and will continue to update beneficiaries, staff and volunteers. In the meantime, anyone with any concerns can contact Age UK West Cumbria on 01900 844670.
“Any older person of their families looking for help can also contact the Age UK national advice line on 0800 055 6112.”
