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 1994.

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.

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. In 1994 Colette McKeaveney launched Age Concern, Luton and, as its Director, led the charity’s mission to help older people in Luton improve their overall quality of life, receive timely practical help, and retain dignity in later life.

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). Individual Age Concern charities were given the option of joining this new national charity or remaining independent and Age Concern, Luton chose to remain an independent charity focused entirely on Luton.

2010-present

Since then, we have been dedicated to helping the people of Luton get the best from later life. In 2020, Colette McKeaveney was awarded an MBE for her outstanding contributions to the community, particularly in her role as the Director of Age Concern, Luton. In 2024, Colette retired after 30 years of service dedicated to supporting older people in Luton and the charity. Tim Lucas took over the role as Chief Executive from January 2025.

We believe that older people in Luton deserve to age safely and securely in a place that is right for them whilst retaining their quality of life and dignity. With the support of the public and our partners, Age Concern, Luton is determined to make Luton a wonderful place in which to live and grow old.