Sixty-five years ago several people felt that senior citizens in Colchester needed a collective voice, so the Older People’s Welfare Association was formed.

From that acorn grew a mighty oak, but it is possible that by this time next year it will have gone.

Today’s successor organisation to what was established in 1950 is now in its final 12 months’ of its lease for its headquarters and with significant reduction in the grant income it had in the past, it is only able to continue providing services for Colchester’s pensioners by using reserves built up over the years but which will in a matter of a year or two be exhausted.

This dire situation was revealed when Age UK Colchester held its annual meeting at the Town Hall.

Today I make clarion call to the people of Colchester to rally round and help Age UK Colchester branch.

The latest official figures state there are 30,900 people aged 65 and above living in the borough, which represents about 17 per cent of the population.

So what is Age UK Colchester? And what does it do for senior citizens?

The introduction to its “guide to services” states: “Age UK Colchester is a local independent charity working with and for all older people in the borough and its surrounding environs, and is committed to making later life a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

“As the leading charity for older people, we are often their first port of call for assistance. We help people no matter what their concern and we are a voice for those who feel they cannot be heard.”

Robert Needham, who has just stepped down as chairman, reporting on the last financial year said: “Our benefits team have been able to secure in excess of £1.2 million of direct payments to their clients.

"This is an outstanding effort and a result that cannot be matched by any other similar service in the land.”

That is an impressive statistic. This is £1.2 million for some of our older people in benefits to which they are entitled but which without the involvement of Age UK Colchester they were not getting.

This means their quality of life is now improved, often dramatically so and life-changing to their advantage, and when this money is spent it helps the local economy.

But Age UK Colchester provides a lot more than a welfare advice service. From its headquarters at Globe House, 6 George Street, just off the High Street near The George Hotel, it provides a range of services and activities to enable older people to live more independent and active lives – and to remain in good mental and physical health for as long as possible.

Tellingly, the charity says: “We endeavour to promote the contributions made by older people to society.”

So what else does Age UK Colchester offer older people?

Advice and advocacy provide a comprehensive service to those aged 60 and over, staffed by experienced advisors, to help with social and health care to remain independent and in their own homes.

A general information service offers confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of subjects, including a list of recommended local services such as gardeners, home hairdressers, plumbers etc.

Consumer and legal advice is available.

In the last year 4,115 inquiries were handled by staff and volunteers.

Listed under “health and well-being” are computer courses, health and beauty, foot health clinic, befriending service to tackle loneliness and social isolation and winter warmth campaign.

A varied list of clubs and activities are Activ8 to stimulate body and mind, knit and natter club, coffee club, family history, and craft club.

Men in Sheds is a recent addition. This is for retired men who wish to put their practical life skills to community benefit.

In order to carry out much of its activities, Age UK Colchester relies on volunteers without whom the wide range of services would not be possible. More volunteers are sought.

But, without a new headquarters – and raising £1,000 a week – all this good work will not be able to continue, at least not on such a scale.

With this in mind, earlier this year I initiated a fundraising scheme called “Pound-Age”. Credit for coining this name (pun intended) goes to Mr Needham, who is also Colchester Town Crier.

We are looking for businesses of all sizes and their workforces, and organisations and individuals, to pledge to give £1 a week, or £1 a month – or whatever £1 multiples you wish to donate. If we can get the equivalent of 1,000 “£1 pledges” per week then the future of Age UK Colchester will be secured.

For standing order forms, or further information, contact Globe House.

One-off donations are also appreciated, as is fundraising by those who wish to support Age UK Colchester which has its own Supporters Club of which membership is open to everyone regardless of age.

Edward Pentney, chief officer for Age UK Colchester, concluded his annual report by saying: “As we go into another year, funding again is our main problem and added to that worry is to find, and be in, new premises by this time next year.”

Having spent the past 65 years developing and providing a level of service unequalled anywhere else in Essex for those of retirement age, firstly as the Older People’s Welfare Association, then Age Concern Colchester from 1970 to 2011, and for the past four years as Age UK Colchester, it would be a terrible setback if the current excellent provision was reduced or ended particularly at a time when people are living longer and the need has never been greater.

* Globe House is open to the public from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. The phone number is 01206 368420. The email address is enquiries@ageukcolchester.org.uk