The older people and wider community charity sector continues to play a vital role in helping people live well, stay connected and remain financially secure. Recent developments highlight both new opportunities and growing challenges for charities working across the UK.

Community Energy Projects Get A Boost

One positive development is the Great British Energy Community Fund (GBECF). Backed by the UK Government, the fund helps community-led organisations develop renewable energy and low-carbon projects that benefit local people. Open to charities, local councils, faith groups and other non-profit organisations, the fund can support projects such as rooftop solar panels on community buildings, electric vehicle charging points, rural heat networks and initiatives that tackle fuel poverty. By helping organisations cover feasibility and development costs, the fund gives communities the chance to take greater control of their energy future while reducing costs and environmental impact.

The Employment Challenge Facing Older Workers

At the same time, there are growing concerns about support for older workers. Employability Day 2026, held on 26 June, focused on the Government’s ambition to increase employment levels across the UK. However, questions remain about whether enough support is available for people aged 50 and over. Recent evidence suggests that older people are significantly less likely to move from benefits into employment than younger age groups. While programmes such as the Government’s ‘50+ package’ have been introduced, concerns remain around awareness of available support and whether there are enough resources to meet demand. With people expected to work for longer as the State Pension Age rises, ensuring older workers receive effective support is becoming increasingly important.

A Tale of Two 60s: Security and Struggle

Financial insecurity is another growing challenge. The latest Tale of Two 60s report from the Centre for Ageing Better reveals that around 1.8 million people aged between 60 and 69 are currently living in financially precarious circumstances. The report warns that this figure could exceed 2 million within the next decade without government action. Women, carers, people living alone, those in poor health and people from racially minoritised backgrounds are among those most at risk.

These findings are particularly important for charities supporting older people. As the number of financially vulnerable people increases, demand for services such as advice, advocacy, wellbeing support and financial assistance is also likely to rise. The report also highlights a challenge facing policymakers: while people are being encouraged to work for longer, many older adults continue to experience health conditions that make employment more difficult.

Final Thoughts

Together, these developments show both the opportunities and pressures facing the sector. As communities adapt to changing economic and social realities, the sector’s role in helping people remain active, independent and connected has never been more important.

Photo by Philippe Leone on Unsplash