On Thursday 26th September Newbridge became the official home of Age Action’s newest retail store reflecting the growing presence of the organisation in communities around Ireland.
Age Action’s chain of retail stores play an important role in the organisation’s strategic goal to support people to age in place; not only do the stores provide income to support the work of Age Action but they offer services such as free stock collection and house clearances as well as being a presence in communities where people can gather to listen and learn from each other about what it is like to age in Ireland.
Paddy Connolly, CEO Age Action said “All eight of our stores function as places where people can contact Age Action to find out about our advocacy work and our services. We want our stores to be closely aligned with our work to support and advocate for equality and human rights of all older people and so we are excited to announce Age Action’s first pop-up information clinic which will be held on the first Wednesday of the month in our Newbridge store”.
Each year, on average, 2,500 people contact Age Action’s Information Service about a wide range of issues that affect them and their families. The most common issues are; pensions or carers allowance, accessing community supports, accommodation issues such as fair deal scheme, homecare supports and age discrimination. The Information Officers offer guidance and refer people to resources that will empower them to make informed choices. Age Action’s pop-up information clinic will start on the first Wednesday of November in the Newbridge store located on Edward Street.
Gail Kennedy, Head of Retail at Age Action said “The opening of our Newbridge store has been a very positive initiative as we benefitted from the experience of the volunteers and staff, particularly our store manager Bernie Crampton. Age Action has also partnered with the Kildare LEADER Partnership through the TÚS programme and built a wonderful relationship with Denis Nolan, our landlord all of whom have helped us settle into the community.”
Age Action’s eight stores carry a wide variety of contemporary and vintage clothing as well as household items and furniture all donated by our supporters. In addition to selling those items, our staff and volunteers build relationships with customers, refer people to Age Action’s support services if they are needed as well as providing a space for older people to meet and talk.
For more information on our network of stores visit https://www.ageaction.ie/how-you-can-help/our-charity-stores-showroom-and-stock-collection-service