To aid the COVID-19 relief effort, we are giving a £1million charitable donation.

£500,000 will be donated to Age UK’s Emergency Coronavirus Appeal, which will help the Charity be there for older people who desperately need its support during this unprecedented health emergency.

The pandemic is having an impact on everybody, especially older people who are most at risk if they contract the virus. There is added worry for the millions of older people who are on their own, who do not have family and friends nearby or at all. It was this that determined our support for Age UK. It aligns closely with our Group’s commitment to supporting the wider community and its customers – many of whom are in retirement. Our CEO, Andy Briggs, as Government Champion for our Ageing Society, has been a vocal and active supporter of the need for society to welcome the many ways more experienced people contribute to our society and economy.

Demand for Age UK’s vital services has increased rapidly during this health crisis leading them to launch a £10million Emergency Coronavirus Appeal. Funds raised for the Charity will help keep its Information & Advice and friendship services running and help local Age UKs provide practical support in their communities.

A further £500,000 will be used to support charitable organisations working in the communities where the Phoenix Group has regional premises. The focus will be on helping those charities with whom we have an ongoing relationship as part of our existing sustainability strategy, which promotes our belief in upholding corporate social responsibility. In recognition of the pandemic’s wide impact, charities receiving funds will cover a variety of services, from providing mental health care to homeless shelters and food banks. It will include our current charity partnerships with four local Air Ambulance Charities in the UK, which we are also extending until the end of 2020 in light of the current crisis.

Andy Briggs, CEO, the Phoenix Group explains; “COVID-19 is first and foremost a social crisis, particularly impacting the lives of older people. As an organisation we believe it is more important than ever to support vulnerable people facing difficulties. Age UK is at the forefront of fighting this challenge, providing vital care and support to older people, we feel it is our responsibility to help.

“At this time of economic and social uncertainty, all charities themselves are also vulnerable and we urge financially able businesses to join us to provide them with a lifeline through corporate donations.”

Laurie Boult, Fundraising Director at Age UK said: “Thank you so much to The Phoenix Group for their generous and thoughtful support during this exceptionally challenging time. This is a period of great anxiety for everyone, but especially for older people and their loved ones. Age UK is determined to be there for older people who need our help and especially for those who have no one else to turn to in this time of crisis. We are delighted that The Phoenix Group has taken action to help us continue to offer information and advice and friendship over the phone, as well as practical support in local communities, to so many older people across the UK. Thank you for making sure we can respond to the growing needs and unprecedented demand we’re seeing.”

To find out more about Age UK or to donate directly, please visit their website here: www.ageuk.org.uk/coronaappeal.

As at 6th April 2020