THERE will be a new name for Age UK Worcester, Malvern Hills and Hereford Localities moving forward.

Following a successful merger earlier in 2024, we are delighted to have been given the go-ahead by Age UK National to operate under a new working title of Age UK Wyvern.

After more than eight months of the challenges of answering the phone with the longest greeting ever and following consultation with our staff team, clients and neighbouring brand partners, the blend of Severn and Wye as a nod to the rivers that flow through the counties we serve was agreed as the perfect option.

Not to be confused with the mythical beast!

This will trigger the start of a rebrand and refresh of our retail offer which is growing from 12 to 13 shops in the next few months with our newest venture opening in Barnards Green, Malvern, later this year.

The retail team is excited for a new corporate image across the board with the new signage and shopfronts complete with information points to offer local signposting to services.

As a result of the sad closure of Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire, we have increased our offer to include the Home from Hospital and Dementia Wellbeing Service in Worcestershire and recruited additional Information and Advice staff to ensure we can meet the increase in demand for support across south Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

We continue to consult with older people in their communities to develop and grow our services, responding to their needs, where they live.

Our new initiative to connect those people feeling lonely and isolated in their communities is the result of over a year of roadshows, feedback from clients and collaboration with other local organisations to co-produce positive connected communities with opportunities to learn, share and thrive, not just exist.

The service we have been delivering across Worcester, Malvern Hills and Herefordshire for over 40 years will not be affected by the new name.

The merger has given us the opportunity to consolidate, consult and be more agile in our approach to supporting those most in need.

Age UK Wyvern marks a new beginning.

A strong, cohesive team facing the challenges of an increasing ageing population, supporting those who need us to improve and sustain their financial, physical and mental well-being — always with a professional approach and a smile.

Please be patient with us while we roll out our new brand across the area but rest assured that our service will not be affected while we do so.

Age UK Wyvern has offices in Worcester, Malvern, Ledbury, Leominster, Tenbury and Hereford.

Our columnist Sue Mosley is the deputy CEO and director of income generation, marketing and engagement.