Seniors' charity Age Concern may have to look for a new home after plans to move into the Government's new ‘Office on Aging' fell through at the last minute.

At the launch of the organisation's Network of Seniors' Services initiative on Monday, executive director Claudette Fleming said the charity would face challenges this year while it waited to see if it could remain in its present location, or if it would have to find an alternative.

She said Age Concern had planned to move into a new joint office at the end of this month, organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Services, which consisted of a number of different agencies that dealt with seniors forming the Office on Aging.

The charity had already handed in its notice to vacate its current office, based in the Centre of Philanthropy, when it was informed on January 11 that there would not be enough space for it at the new joint venture.

But she said the Centre of Philanthropy had planned to revamp, and, as Age Concern had believed it would no longer be on the premises, it had so far not been included in the new proposals.

Mrs. Fleming said: “We had given the Centre notice about six months ago and they were very cooperative and said we could go whenever we were prepared and ready.

“At this point, we don't know what will happen. As far as the new regulations for staying at the Centre, we were not really involved because we didn't think we would need to be. f we do have to go, we will probably have two months here, and then we will probably have to leave.

“It's not good, but it's not the end of the world, either. We don't want to focus on that because it's important for people to know that as long as the organisation is working for seniors, we will continue as normal. It's unfortunate and it is a setback, but we will press on and look for opportunities where we can partner with the ministry again.”

On Monday Mrs. Fleming launched the Network of Seniors' Services at Westmeath Residential Home.

The aim of the initiative is for Age Concern to act as an umbrella organisation in pulling together every kind of service and agency for seniors. The charity then wants to compile all of the details on a website, as well as produce a manual, which would be distributed among residents.

The objective is to make all of the services on the Island accessible for pensioners and their families.

Addressing former chairmen and honorary members of Age Concern, she said: “While we will continue in our role as advocates for seniors on issues that affect them, in response to the hundreds of calls that we have received since the opening of our offices in July 2000, Age Concern is in the preliminary stages of identifying all of the categories of senior service providers on the Island.

“It is our hope, that once these services are identified, our organisation will be in a better position to provide accurate information to the public on how to access seniors' services.”

The executive director said the charity had identified nine major service categories, including health and support services, housing transportation and long-term care services, community, faith-orientated and outreach services, and financial, legal and advocacy services, to name just a few.

She added: “We are considering every type of service, from discount days at the grocery markets and retail stores, to investment and estate planning.”

Last night, Health Minister Nelson Bascome said he was disappointed there was insufficient space for Age Concern at the Office on Aging, but said he believed the issues could be resolved.

He said: “I have a meeting with Age Concern tomorrow and we will be sitting down and discussing what their mandate is and we will see what they need in terms of resources.

“But, we are going to give them meeting space at the Office on Aging, as well as space for their files. We are going to see what we can do to help them.

“It is unfortunate, but we have very little space. We did want them in the office, but it hasn't worked out. When I sit down and talk to them, I will find out exactly how they want to go and what they want to do. We have to make sure we will not be duplicating services. After tomorrow I will know more.”

The Office on Aging, which will be based on Victoria Street in Pembroke, will involve case workers from relevant Government departments and a number of agencies working together for seniors. It is expected to open next month. Age Concern is hoping to attract both corporate and private sponsors to help it fund its year-long initiative.

Anyone interested in giving can make cheques payable to Age Concern, and send them to Age Concern, PO Box 2397, Hamilton, HM JX. Alternatively, they can call the charity with information for the manual on 295-7525.