Partners & Supporters

As a charity, Open Age relies on a range of support to keep running the activities, classes and social groups that our members truly love. The community and work we do here would not be what it is today without the help of our fantastic funders and partners.  

Open Age Awarded the ActiveWestminster Mark

The ActiveWestminster Mark is a two-year accreditation which shows Westminster residents and Schools that clubs, providers or organisations that have been awarded the mark provide quality physical activity, leisure and/or sport activities and meet a range of quality standards set by the Council’s Physical Activity, Leisure & Sport (PALS) service.

Those who have been awarded the mark have proven to provide a quality sports and leisure service by meeting a range of quality standards set by the ActiveWestminster partnership, including health and safety, coaching qualifications and insurance.

Well done to everyone at Open Age!

 

The Second Half Foundation 

In February 2011, The Second Half of Your Life, a groundbreaking book written by Jill Shaw Ruddock that inspires women to rethink what it means to grow older was published by Penguin/Random House. This incredible work launched Jill on a journey to create The Second Half Foundation.  

The Second Half Foundation was created in May 2011 with the mission of tackling loneliness and isolation for any person over the age of 50 years old. In October 2012, The Second Half Centre at the St Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing in North Kensington opened its doors to the community. In April 2014, Open Age partnered with Jill and The Second Half Foundation to take on the Centre and continue running impactful group sessions for local older people.  

Since this partnership began, the Second Half Foundation has enabled Open Age to change the lives of 1000’s of older people in London – both through the space of the Second Half Centre, and for the truly generous annual donation which helps ensure our programme of group activities continues to run. Open Age is extremely grateful for this long-term connection with Jill and her Foundation – we look forward to helping Londoners age 50+ stay active, connected and immersed in their communities for years to come.  

Website is here: http://www.thesecondhalffoundation.com/2014/02/the-second-half-foundation-announces.html  

 

Westminster Almshouses Foundation

Another local funder with a history of philanthropy, the Westminster Almshouses can trace their roots back to 1656 - wow!   

The Almshouses themselves provide sheltered housing for people aged 60 and over, with the Foundation arm providing grants for local organisations working to improve the lives of local Westminster residents.  

Open Age would like to thank the Almshouses for their support over the years. We love running our activities in Westminster, and the support of the Almshouses Foundation is surely a key part of why these activities are accessible and fun for all. 

 

The Henry Smith Charity

London is a truly diverse city – buzzing and dynamic with inhabitants from all walks of life. Here at Open Age we see this diversity reflected across our wonderful members, so we’re always looking to form partnerships with organisations who can empower individuals from this diverse group.

Since 1628 – nearly an incredible 400 years –The Henry Smith Charity the Henry Smith Charity has been helping to combat poverty and disadvantage across London and Britain more broadly; enabling people to thrive regardless of their past or present circumstances. As part of this, Open Age is incredibly grateful to receive funding from the Henry Smith Charity to support our Men’s Space project.

Together, we are addressing the barriers older men face to engaging with Open Age; preventing isolation & loneliness and supporting older men to live happier, healthier and more independent lives as part of our thriving member-community.

 

The Julia Rausing Trust

 

The Julia Rausing Trust is a charitable fund supporting organisations and initiatives that provide benefit to society in the UK, realising the philanthropy Hans Rausing in memory of his late wife, Julia. The Trust has distributed over 1000 grants since its formation, aiming to foster a healthy society that gives care to those in need, provides opportunity for all, and offers inspiring cultural engagement. 

Open Age is excited to be working on a transformational 3-year project with the Julia Rausing Trust – helping us develop the ways in which those most excluded in our society can equitably access. 

 

City Bridge Foundation – London’s biggest independent charity funder 

Ever wondered how London’s iconic bridges are maintained, and how charities across our capital city continue to survive and thrive?   

City Bridge Foundation is a 900-year-old charity which looks after Tower Bridge, and four other Thames crossings, at no cost to the taxpayer. What’s more, this incredible Foundation awards funding of over £30 million a year to charities delivering across London!  

Open Age is proud to be working with City Bridge Foundation to tackle physical deconditioning and isolation across London’s older population, with a three-year project offering fun group activities & life-changing community outreach. City Bridge Foundation not only maintains the five London bridges, but also bridges divides in society, and supports organisations working to tackle inequality. 

 

The Royal Institute of Philosophy

The Royal Institute of Philosophy has existed for 100 years with a simple mission: real philosophy for everyone. As the UK’s largest independent charitable foundation devoted to sharing philosophical thinking as widely as possible, the Royal Institute aims to bring important philosophical questions to the curious of every age and background, and to empower them to address these questions for themselves. 

Is the mind the same as the brain? What is privacy, and what should be private? These are examples of the questions which Open Age members can discuss in our group philosophy sessions for Londoners age 50+, thanks to Local Partner grant funding from the Royal Institute.  

Website here: https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/# 

 

The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust 

Dame Bridget D’Oyly Carte (1908-1985) was the grand-daughter of Richard D’Oyly Carte, the theatrical impresario who famously built and opened the Savoy Theatre in 1881 and the Savoy Hotel in 1889. Dame Bridget established The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust in 1972 to support her personal interests which included her enjoyment of theatre, music and gardening, and, in particular, helping disadvantaged and disabled children. Today, the Trust continues her legacy through its grant giving programmes.  

Open Age is really pleased to be offering a weekly Still Life & Life Drawing class, and a weekly singing group, thanks to funding from the Trust. We are honoured to continue the legacy of the D’Oyly Carte family’s creativity through our work with disadvantaged older Londoners.

 

The Invesco Cares Foundation  

The Invesco Cares Foundation supports charities and community initiatives connected to Invesco UK’s Henley and London offices, reflecting the commitment of employees to make a positive difference where they live and work. Through financial donations, the Foundation helps both local charities and those with which staff have a personal connection, fostering meaningful impact across a range of causes. Guided by a committee that ensures donations meet clear criteria, the Foundation manages resources responsibly while remaining flexible in its ability to support a wide variety of charitable purposes. 

Open Age is delighted to be partnering with the Invesco Cares Foundation, which is currently funding dance classes for members – helping to bring joy, movement, and connection to older people in the community. 

Website here: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/326583  

 

Other Donations 

Open Age would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to both The Rest-Harrow Trust and Lady Blakenham’s Charity Trust for their generous support this year.  

These contributions have played an important role in enabling us to continue our mission of helping Londoners age 50+ stay active, connected, and engaged with their communities. By investing in our work, these Trusts are helping Open Age reach more people, create meaningful opportunities, and ensure that those who may otherwise feel isolated can enjoy healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.