Age UK centre falls victim to revenue slump
CHARITY’S WIGSTON BASE WILL CLOSE IN APRIL
AGE UK is to close its centre in Wigston after the pandemic worsened its financial problems.
The Paddock Street centre provides day sessions, advice, a cafe and various other services for the over-50s but it has been losing money – particularly during lockdown.
It will shut on Friday, April 30 after a review of the services offered in Oadby and Wigston.
Jill Gore, chairman of the trustees of Age UK Oadby & Wigston, said: “We are sorry that this news will be upsetting for the older people that we support, as well as our staff, volunteers and supporters.
“These are unprecedented times and we will be working as hard as we can to ensure that older people know where they can turn for support.
“We would like to thank all our staff and volunteers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to our work and to the community for their support.”
The charity said in a message on its website that it would be contacting volunteers and clients of the centre to inform them of the news.
Age UK said in the message: “To all our customers and volunteers we are very sorry to advise Age UK Oadby & Wigston has faced a number of financial challenges in recent years, which have been compounded by significant financial losses due to the Covid-19 crisis.
“The board of trustees has therefore made the difficult decision to cease operating from April 30.
“This means the charity will no longer be able to offer services to the older people of Oadby and Wigston.
“The charity has explored every possible option to protect its charitable work, including a full review of services.
“However, despite best efforts, this has not been enough to fully mitigate against the effects of the pandemic on our finances.”
Anyone who relied on the centre is advised to call the national Age UK helpline on 0800 169 6565 for details of their nearest services after the closure at the end of next month.
One resident said: “This closure will affect several hundred people who use its purpose-built facilities – drop-in cafe and lunch provision, charity shop, advice centre, exercise and hobby classes, and day care facilities.”
Anyone connected with Age UK Oadby & Wigston with any questions about the closure can contact Clare Watkin by email at:
‘SHAMEFUL’ UNPROVOKED ATTACK ON CUSTOMER IN DIY STORE
A FORMER soldier drunkenly bashed an elderly shop customer on the head with an axe handle in a DIY store, a court heard.
Chase Kelly, 30, carried out the unprovoked attack in Toolbox, in Castle Street, Hinckley, inflicting an open wound that bled profusely.
He was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £340 costs.
Jonathan Eley, prosecuting, said the shopkeeper was initially unconcerned when Kelly walked into the store and began wandering around, at 10.30am on May 26.
He said: “As an elderly man approached to pay for his purchases, Kelly was seen to grab a pickaxe handle and smash it down on the head of the elderly man from behind, causing a significant injury needing stitches.
“The victim immediately fell to the floor.”
Kelly, who was described as agitated, then armed himself with a smaller handaxe from the store and started moving towards the shopkeeper, who quickly fled to the staff room, locked the door and called the emergency services.
In the meantime, Kelly shouted at other people in the store to get out of his way and went out, leaving both weapons behind. He was arrested in Hinckley four days later.
Mr Eley said the victim refused to press charges and declined to allow access to his medical records, so the assault was being prosecuted as an affray, which Kelly admitted.
The defendant, who has since moved from Hinckley to Gun Hill, Coventry, also admitted two counts of possessing offensive weapons during the same incident.
Paul Tubb, mitigating, said: “He’s expressed a high level of remorse for what he accepts is a horrendous incident.”
He said Kelly was a “hardworking, honest individual” who, between 2003 and 2008, served his country in the South African Defence Forces, including serving in Angola and on peace-keeping missions in Chad, encountering some “unpleasant experiences”. Between 2011 and 2016 he was in the French Foreign Legion and awarded three medals. On moving to the UK, Kelly wanted to join the Army but was told he had to have five years residency to apply, and ended up in the security industry – from which he resigned because of the court proceedings.
Mr Tubb said: “His mental health suffered as he struggled with the change of lifestyle during a difficult transitional period. He was unable to accept he had an illness.”
Kelly’s family believed he had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A doctor later confirmed his symptoms were consistent with this.
He was also drinking heavily to block out “horrific incidents” in the armed forces, and was now addressing his consumption, said Mr Tubb.
Sentencing, Judge Timothy Spencer QC told Kelly: “You’re 30 years of age and before this case you weren’t just of good character but exemplary character.
“This is a thoroughly shameful turn down for you, acquiring serious criminal convictions.
“This madness on May 26 last year must be a combination of your PTSD and massive consumption of alcohol – you’d drunk a lot of vodka.
“It is your first offending and better be your last.”
This madness must be a combination of your PTSD and massive consumption of alcohol
Judge