A charity supporting elderly people in Berkshire has announced it will close in September due to ongoing financial pressures.
Age Concern Twyford & District said that after 38 years of serving the local community, the charity was no longer financially viable; but staff have launched a fundraising campaign in a bid to save the centre.
A spokesperson for the charity said it has nine staff, all of whom are expected to be made redundant as a result of the closure on 4 September.
In a statement, Age Concern Twyford & District said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and we have carefully evaluated all various options available to us.
“It comes because of ongoing financial pressures, including rising operating costs and a sustained decline in attendance, which have unfortunately made it no longer viable for the charity to continue operating.”
According to the charity’s latest accounts, it recorded a total income of £252,568 and expenditure of £255,229 in the year ending 31 March 2025.
The charity’s spokesperson said the closure was “devastating news”, adding that the organisation’s care team are “fighting the decision and trying desperately to raise a very large funding pot”.
A JustGiving page has been set up in a bid to save the charity, with about £4,000 raised of a £10,000 target.
The page says the staff team would be willing to cut their hours to help the organisation’s financial situation.
Age Concern Twyford & District said it would contact all stakeholders to explain how the upcoming closure may affect them.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 38 years. To our members, past and present, thank you for the friendship, warmth and community you have brought to the centre.
“We are incredibly grateful to our president, former and current trustees, volunteers, local sponsors and businesses, Twyford Parish Council and Wokingham Borough Council for their support over the years.”