The Bradbury Foundation

In November 2010, Age UK Lincoln embarked on an ambitious project to renovate their Park Street Activity Centre.

It sought to create a ‘one stop shop’ so that all facilities would operate from one site in Lincoln City – a single point of access that would increase the capacity of the centre and its activities and enable more older people to access timely information and support.

Thanks to a £200,000 donation from the Bradbury Foundation, Age UK has realised its ambitions. Having opened on 28 February 2014, Age UK Lincoln’s newly renovated Park Street Activity Centre boasts a modern annex named The Bradbury Building.

Today the centre reaches 2,000 older people a week – up from 1,600 a year ago – and provides opportunities for participation in classes, friendship clubs, socialising and advice on day-to-day or specialist issues.

What Age UK Lincoln said

Michele Seddon, CEO of Age UK Lincoln, said: ‘Being able to provide our customers with a whole range of services from one location enables us to provide continuous support to them as their needs develop. It can be difficult for people to come to terms with the fact that they need support and this is made easier for them by having access from someone they have a relationship with.

'It also ensures that people feel included, have a safe environment and can retain independence while meeting others and perhaps learning a new skill.’

How it helped older people

Barbara Jean Young, a service user, commented: ‘I am very impressed with the facilities at Age UK Lincoln, the transformation has been worthwhile. There are lots of leaflets, helpful staff, activities and services and a restaurant that sells freshly made cakes.’

Over the course of 13 years, the Bradbury Foundation has generously donated towards a range of capital projects, enabling a number of our local partners to improve the reach and efficacy of their services. We could not be more grateful for their ongoing support and generous contributions.