Helpage International

HelpAge International is a global network striving for the rights of disadvantaged older people to economic and physical security; healthcare and social services; and support in their caregiving role across the generations. It has 74 affiliates in more than 50 countries and over 300 partners around the world ranging from older people’s associations and community-based organisations to national NGOs, academic institutions, governments and international agencies. [ [http://www.helpage.org/Aboutus/Affiliates/Listofaffiliates List of HelpAge International Affiliates] ]

It has a vision of a world in which all older people fulfil their potential to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. In 2007, HelpAge International provided direct support to nearly one million older people, their families and communities, and improved the prospects for many more through their policy work. [ [http://www.helpage.org/Resources/AnnualReview/main_content/bcrY/AReview2007.pdf HelpAge International Annual Review 2007] ]

Way of Working

HelpAge International's approach to work is based on their commitment to:
* developing grassroots work that directly supports older people
* supporting and strengthening organisations that are working in practical ways to improve the lives of older people
* giving a voice to older people, especially the most disadvantaged. [ [http://www.helpage.org HelpAge International Homepage] ]

The key areas of work are in:
* Emergencies
* HIV and AIDS
* Older people's rights
* Social protection
* Livelihoods

Most of its activities are carried out in partnership with older people’s organisations, community development organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They also work closely with academic institutions on research projects [ [http://www.chronicpoverty.org/partners/partner_HI.html Chronic Poverty Research Centre, University of Manchester] ] , and with local and national governments and international agencies to ensure that ageing issues are at the centre of development policies.

History

The HelpAge International network was established in 1983 by five agencies in Canada, Colombia, India, Kenya and the UK. The network now consists of 75 affiliate organisations and more than 300 partners in 50 countries along with a secretariat in London. Together, these link with hundreds more organisations across the globe, working to improve the lives of older people.

Organisational Structure

HelpAge International's organisational structure is divided into three secretariat offices and five regional development centres (RDCs) spread across the globe. These include one for each continent they work in: Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, Asia/Pacific, and Eastern Europe/Central Asia with seven national programmes and a number of emergencies programmes. The secretariat has offices in London, Brussels and the USA.

Funding

HelpAge International receives funding from nearly 50 donors, including multilateral agencies, such as the European Union and United Nations, governments, trusts and foundations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals.

The main sources of HelpAge International's income in 2005/06 were the Disasters Emergency Committee, EU, DFID [ [http://www.dfid.gov.uk/aboutdfid/dfidwork/ppas/helpage-ppa.asp DFID Website] ] , Comic Relief and Help the Aged. Help the Aged (UK) is the largest donor, providing HelpAge International with core and programme funding. [ [http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/en-gb/WhatWeDo/International/Whatwedo/ Help The Aged Website] ]

References