The Lewes House of Friendship has merged into Age UK East Sussex in bid to strengthen local services, share expertise and ensure long-term support for older people, the charities said.
The HOF will retain its name and logo and is now part of wider services on offer from Age UK East Sussex following the merger, which was completed earlier this year.
Age UK East Sussex provides support, services and advice to older people in the area while the HOF offers similar services through its charitable day centre, providing companionship and low-cost meals.
The Lewes HOF recorded an income of £162,628 and had an average number of two full-time equivalent staff according to its latest accounts, for the year to the end of March 2025.
Age UK East Sussex had 79 staff and recorded an income of £3m in the same period.
The charities said no services would change and the HOF building would remain open every weekday.
“The merger brings greater resilience, more support options, access to county-wide services, and a stronger voice for older people,” the charities said.
There will be one board for Age UK East Sussex and existing HOF staff have transferred to AUKES, while its trustees have been co-opted on the new board, the charities said.
Staffing at the charities has remained unchanged, they said.
Polly Senter, chair of the Lewes House of Friendship, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue the important work started over 50 years ago by our founders.
“By joining with Age UK East Sussex, we can strengthen the support available to our members and help many more local older people to live well.”
Steve Hare, chief executive of Age UK East Sussex, said the charity had always had a “strong and positive relationship” with the HOF.
“For many years we have worked side by side to support older people in Lewes and East Sussex,” Hare said.
“With a growing older population and increasing pressures from the cost-of-living and cost-of-care crises, this merger will protect and enhance local services while bringing together the strengths and expertise of both organisations.”