Our History

Age Concern, Luton is Luton’s largest charity working with older people and has been helping older people and their carers get the services and support they need since 1961.

1940-1950

World War II brought hardship to everyone in Britain, and older people were especially vulnerable. Many families had lost their main breadwinner or become separated. There was no welfare state, and the ‘poor law’ provision of the time was woefully inadequate.

In 1940 a group of individuals, governmental and voluntary organisations came together to discuss how this situation could be improved. The Old People’s Welfare Committee was born. The committee soon gained national recognition and in 1944 it became known as the National Old People’s Welfare Committee (NOPWC), taking under its umbrella many local organisations working to improve older people’s welfare.

1950-1970

With the advent of the welfare state, government money became available to fund work with older people. Throughout the 1950s and 60s the NOPWC co-ordinated and facilitated the work of an increasing number of committees and it was during this period that what became Age Concern Luton was first established (1961).

1970-1980

In 1971 the NOPWC became completely independent of government and was renamed Age Concern. Many local groups took on the Age Concern name as time went on, and together they benefited from a unified image and a name reflecting the fact that they were not just committees but active providers of direct services.

1980-1990

In a period of high unemployment, Age Concern became a national agent for job-creation and training schemes run by local groups and drew attention to the plight of older people suffering from long-term unemployment or redundancy.

1990-2000

During this decade of social, political and financial change, Age Concern continued to provide essential services to older people and to prepare for the challenges of the new century. Colette McKeaveney had taken over as the Chief Executive from 1994 and the charity went online, launching websites that provided a range of information and support for older people.

2000 - 2010

In July 2000, organisations sharing the name Age Concern came together to work in a federation: a structure which reflected their independence and autonomy but also their interdependence. Age Concern England, as the national federation member, worked alongside local Age Concerns and provided support and leadership in areas like campaigning and policy.

On 1 April 2009, Age Concern England and Help the Aged joined together to create a new charity (Age UK) dedicated to improving later life for everyone. Individual Age Concern charities were given the option of joining this new national charity or remaining an independent Age Concern focused on their local communities, and Age Concern, Luton chose this route.

2010-present

Since then, we have been helping older people improve their overall quality of life, receive timely practical help, get out and about and retain dignity in later life. Colette McKeaveney was awarded an MBE for her work in helping older people as part of Age Concern Luton. Colette retired in 2024. Tim Lucas has taken over the role as Chief Executive from January 2025. We believe that retirement should be a positive experience and that, with the help of our partners, Luton can become a great place in which to live and grow older.