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Message Age UK Mid MerseyFundraising PackYour go-to guide for doing good:Packed with inspiration & ideas to get you started on yourfundraising journey
Thank you for choosingto raise money for AgeUK Mid MerseyEvery penny you raise will go toproviding advice, friendship & practicalsupport for older people who need usthe most.
Providing support and empowerment topeople impacted by dementia and theirfamily and carers.In addition, we provide our flagship adviceand information service, supporting people tolive their best later life in the way they choose. We are fortunate that we receive fundingfrom Halton and St Helen’s Councils, the JohnMoore’s Foundation and the National Lotteryfor our vital work. However, we still need toraise around £200,000 a year to maintain theservices we deliver. That’s why every penny counts. Every pennyyou raise on our behalf will make a differenceright here in your communities. Growing olderis inevitable, however growing older free frompoverty and exclusion is definitely not. We allaspire to live well in later life. Age UK MidMersey exists to support this aspiration. So thank you for doing whatever wonderful, orslightly bonkers thing you are planning ondoing to help us make this aspiration a reality! Together we will change how we age.Kind regards,Welcome to Age UK Mid Mersey’s FundraisingPack. Thank you for considering raising money forAge UK Mid Mersey. Every penny that youraise will be spent here in our four boroughs ofHalton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington.Although we have a national name – we areyour local charity. We benefit from being partof the wider Age UK Network, but we areresponsible for raising all the money neededto deliver our services here in Mid Mersey.We focus our support around four keypriorities based on the needs of older peoplein Mid Mersey. These are:Addressing pension poverty and ensuringeveryone has enough income to enjoylater lifeAddressing loneliness and isolation - levelsof self-reported loneliness in our fourboroughs are higher than the nationalaverage, with almost 1 in 6 people living inSt Helens saying they feel lonely always ormost of the time. We provide friendshipthrough social groups and befriending toenable people to make new connectionswith those in their communities.Tackling digital exclusion with more andmore essential services becomingavailable exclusively online such asbooking GP appointments, orderingprescriptions and staying connected withloved ones. We offer digital support togain the necessary skills to get online anduse the internet safely.Welcomefrom our CEORachel McKernanChief Executive Officer1
Did you know?21% of St Helens’population is 65+the number ofresidents aged 65+in Halton increasedby 29.3% between2011-202110% of individuals aged65+ experiencefrequent loneliness21.4 million older people in the UKfeel lonely69%of people over 75are not able to usethe internet safelyand successfully1 in 6 pensioners live inpoverty
3Your fundraising WILL make adifference to older people inyour community£10£50£75Allows us to make a wellbeing call to anolder person to offer information andsignposting that can truly make adifference in their lifeLets us provide a Living Well home visitto an isolated older person providingtailored advice, and information toenable them to enjoy independent livingAllows us to undertake a full welfare benefitscheck and provide ongoing support, to ensurethat an older person is receiving all the welfarebenefits they are entitled to — giving thempeace of mind, financial security, and thedignity they deserve in later life£150Helps us run one of our weekly friendshipand activity groups, creating fun, memoriesand peer support for up to 18 older people—a chance to laugh, connect, and feel part ofsomething special“I didn’t know where toturn, you went out ofyour way to help me”“The Living Well Team have givenme confidence to face difficultsituations, they have been such agreat help to me”
1Step-by-step guide on...Choose your fundraising ideaLet us know!Set a goal23Choosing your fundraising idea is the first exciting step onyour journey! Whether you're into baking, sports, crafting,or dancing, there's a fundraising activity to suit everyone.Think about what you enjoy, what you're good at, and howyou'd like to raise money – from solo challenges to groupevents, the possibilities are endless. Check out our A–Z offundraising ideas in this pack for inspiration and picksomething that feels fun and achievable for you. Don’tforget to plan ahead and ensure that both you and anyoneinvolved in your fundraising are safe and well-prepared.Setting a goal is a great way to stay motivatedand keep your fundraising on track. Thinkabout how much you'd like to raise and howyou can break it down – whether it’s £50,£150, or £500, every amount makes adifference! Having a clear target helps yoursupporters understand what you’re aiming forand encourages them to get behind you. Youcan even tie your goal to your activity – like£100 for 100 miles, or £1 for every cupcakebaked!We’d love to hear about yourfundraising plans! Letting us knowmeans we can support you everystep of the way – whether that’sby sending you materials, helpingpromote your event, or simplycheering you on. Get in touch sowe can celebrate your efforts and feature your story on our websiteand social media!4
Spread the word about your fundraisingefforts to get as many people involved aspossible! Share your story and the reasonwhy you’re fundraising for Age UK MidMersey, and encourage friends, family, andcolleagues to support you. The more peoplewho know about your efforts, the moredonations you'll receive. Use social media toreach a wider audience, post regularupdates, and share your fundraising pagelink, making it easy for people to donate.Once your activity is complete, it’s time tocollect your donations and send them to us. Ifyou've created an online giving page (you canset one up on www.wonderful.org), alldonations (including Gift Aid) will be transferreddirectly to us. For funds collected in person or atan event, there are several ways to make thepayment. Full details can be found on page 10.Celebrate your success 6Once you've reached your fundraisinggoal, take a moment to celebrateyour success! Whether it’s a smallthank you to your supporters or a bigthank you event, acknowledgingeveryone's efforts will make themfeel appreciated. Don’t forget toshare your achievements on socialmedia, and encourage others to keepsupporting our cause. Your hard workand dedication are making a realdifference in the lives of older peoplein Mid Mersey – thank you for helpingus create a stronger, more connectedcommunity!45Spread the wordCollect Your Donations5
A-Z of Fundraising IdeasAbseilAfternoon Tea PartyAnimal-themed Fun RunArt AuctionBake SaleBingo NightBirthday FundraiserBook saleCar Boot SaleCar WashCoffee MorningConcertDance MarathonDinner Party Dog Walking Duck RaceEaster Egg HuntEgg & Spoon RaceEmployee Fundraising Exhibition (art/photos)Fancy Dress DayFantasy FootballFacebook FundraiserFun RunGames NightGaming MarathonGarage SaleGarden PartyHair Colour / CutHalloween PartyHead ShaveHike for HappinessInternational Food DayIndoor MarketIron Man ChallengeInstagram FundraiserJam Making & TastingJewellery Making & SaleJog for JoyJumble SaleKaraoke NightKayakingKite Flying DayKnitting ChallengeLadies NightLego Building ContestLitter PickingLunchtime QuizMarathonMatched FundingMovie NightMurder Mystery NightName the...Night WalkNon-Uniform DayNumber in a JarObstacle CourseOnline AuctionOffice CollectionOpen Mic NightPartyPlant SalePoker PartyPub QuizQuitting SomethingQuiltingQuiz NightQuiet Hour ChallengeRaffleRead-a-thonRecord Breaking AttemptRowingSponsored Silence/WalkSky DivingScavenger HuntSwear JarTea & TalkTalent ShowTombolaTreasure HuntUniversity ChallengeUnplug for a DayUgly Jumper ContestUnwanted Gifts SaleValentine’s Fundraiser Vintage SaleVirtual Pub QuizVeggie Cook OffWacky Hair DayWalk-a-thonWaxingWear a Hat DayXmas PartyXbox TournamentXtreme Sports!X-Factor CompetitionYoga ClassYellow-Themed Day/EventYear-End Giving CampaignYouTube Live FundraiserZero-Waste ChallengeZip WireZoo-Themed PartyZumba-thon6
Keeping Your FundraiserSafe, Fun & LegalThanks for fundraising for Age UK Mid Mersey – we’re so grateful! Have fun, stay safe,and follow a few simple rules. If you're unsure about anything, our team is here to help.RafflesYou don’t need a licence ifyour raffle tickets are soldand drawn on the same dayat your event.All tickets must be sold at thesame price, and it must beclear why you’re holding theraffle.If you’re planning a longerraffle (e.g. to promote a bigprize), get in touch and we’llguide you through it.More advice:gamblingcommission.gov.ukLicencesSome events (especially thoseinvolving alcohol, music, orstreet/public collections) mayrequire a licence from yourlocal council.If you're unsure whether youneed one, contact your localborough council (St Helens,Halton, Knowsley orWarrington) – or ask us andwe’ll help you check.You’ll also need permissionfrom the landowner or councilif your event is in a publicspace.Risk Assesments &SafetyThink about any potentialhazards and make sure youhave the right safetymeasures in place –especially if it’s a largeevent.You may need First Aidcover, depending on the sizeand nature of yourfundraiser.We’re happy to help withrisk assessments if you’renot sure where to start.Food HygieneIf your fundraiser involvesfood (even if it's free), foodhygiene laws apply.Make sure food is prepared,handled and served safely.For official guidance, visit:food.gov.ukInvolving ChildrenChildren under 17 must besupervised by an adult atall times.If children are taking part inyour event, make sureparents or guardians arefully informed and havegiven permission.Photo ConsentIf you're taking pictures,always get permission fromthe people beingphotographed - especially ifyou plan to share thesephotos online or in the press.You need parental/guardianconsent for those under 17.Handling MoneyAlways count donations with a second person– it's best practice and protects everyoneinvolved.Cheques should be made payable to AgeConcern Mid Mersey, not to individuals.Keep a clear record of how much you’ve raisedand what activities you ran – it’s useful forfuture fundraising and transparency.CollectionsStreet or door-to-door collections require alicence from your local authority – it’s illegalwithout one.Let us know if you’re planning to collectdonations this way, and we’ll help you get theright permissions.7
Spread the word!Support me onmy fundraisingjourney!Posters & FlyersYou can download posters and flyers directlyfrom our website and ask local shops, cafés,libraries, or community centres if they’d behappy to display them on their noticeboards orin their windows. You’re doing something AMAZING! Below are some ways you can let people knowso that can donate and support you.Create a Fundraising Page OnlineYou cancreate an online fundraising page onWonderful.org - it’s quick, easy, and completelyfree – simply choose Age UK Mid Mersey as yourcharity, personalise your page, and share it withfriends and family. They’ll be able to follow yourjourney, cheer you on, and donate directly tohelp you reach your fundraising target.Share on Social MediaDocumenting your fundraising journey is agreat way to share regular updates with yourfollowers. Post regular photos, and milestoneson your favourite social media sites to let yourfriends and family follow along and supportyou. Whether it’s training for a challenge,preparing for a bake sale, or reaching yourdonation goals, every post helps raiseawareness and brings you closer to your target.Don’t forget to tag Age UK Mid Mersey so wecan cheer you on and share your amazingefforts too — and always remember to includea link to your wonderful.org fundraising page tomake it easy for people to donate and supportyour cause!8
Sponsorship FormsIf you're taking on a sponsored challenge, wecan provide you with sponsorship forms tohelp you collect donations easily andsecurely.Get in touch with your local pressThis is a fantastic way to raise awareness aboutyour fundraising efforts. Whether it’s a localnewspaper, radio station, or communitymagazine, sharing your story can inspire othersand attract more support. A short email orpress release explaining what you're doing, whyyou’re supporting Age UK Mid Mersey, and howpeople can donate could lead to valuablecoverage. Publicity like this not only helps boostdonations but also shines a light on thedifference you're making in your community.At WorkSpreading the word at work is a great way toboost your fundraising efforts! Let yourcolleagues know what you're doing and why –you could mention it in team meetings, displaya poster in the staffroom, or even organise amini fundraising event in the office. Adding ashort message and a link to your wonderful.orgpage in your email signature is a simple buteffective way to keep it on everyone’s radar.Don’t forget to ask your workplace if they offermatched funding to double your donations –every little helps!9Tell everyone what you’re doing!
In Person or by PostFundraisingAge UK Mid MerseyThe Mansion HouseVictoria ParkCity RoadSt HelensWA10 2UE(If you are based in Halton you can pop in toour Runcorn Office on Church Street)cheques payable to: Age Concern Mid MerseyBy Bank TransferAge Concern Mid MerseyBarclays LeicesterSort Code: 20-74-45Account Number: 63097137Please put your name as the referenceand send us an email letting us know!Now that you’ve hit yourtarget, how do you send yourmoney to us?OnlineHead to the ‘Donate’ page on our website:www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey and click‘make a donation’ - this will take you toour Wonderful page where you can enterhow much you would like to donate.10Make sure to check our websitefor updates on other ways you canmake payments to us!
Donate to us!Every penny you donate stays righthere supporting people 50+St HelensKnowsley WarringtonHaltonLive Local? Give Local.TextAUKMMto 70085to donate£10Donate to us online via Wonderful- a secure platform that allows youto easily make a donation with noextra cost to you or us.Simply open the camera app onyour phone and hold it up to theQR code to go to our donationpage!Sign up for an online ‘Giveas you Live’ account, andselect Age UK Mid Merseyas your chosen charity thenshop as normal via the Giveas you Live app or website.Donate to us by doingyour weekly online shop! we will receive a small amount of money at no extra cost to you Sign up online for anEasyFundraising account,and shop all your favouriteretail brands as normal viathe EasyFundraising app orwebsite.we will receive a small amount ofmoney at no extra cost to you Sign up for Gift Aid whenyou donate!If you are a UK tax payer,just complete a simpledeclaration when you makea donation and we can claim25p back in tax at no cost toyou- so for every £10 wemake from your donations,we get an extra £2.50!click here for more infoPlay your Community Lottery!For just £1 a week you have the chance to win cashprizes while donating to us! Simply sign up online andchoose Age UK Mid Mersey as your selected goodcause. Every time you play, we get 50p!11Other ways you can support us:Thank You!
Why partner with us?Support local older people in your local community stay connected, safe, andindependent.Boost staff morale and team spirit through shared goals and social impact.Enhance your brand reputation by aligning with a trusted local charity.Meet your CSR objectives with tailored fundraising and volunteering opportunities.Ways to get involvedCharity of the Year PartnershipMake Age UK Mid Mersey your chosen charity!Staff FundraisingFrom bake sales and dress-down days to sponsored challenges, turn your ideas intoimpact.Payroll GivingAn easy, tax-efficient way for employees to give regularly.Matched GivingEncourage your team’s efforts by matching their fundraising totals.Corporate VolunteeringUse your skills or time to support older people in your local area - we have lot’s ofvolunteering opportunites for your staff to get involved with!Get your company involved!Corporate FundraisingPartnering with Age UK Mid Mersey is a powerful way foryour business to support older people across Halton, StHelens, Knowsley, and Warrington. Whether you’re a smalllocal business or a larger organisation, there are plenty ofways your team can help make life better for people aged50+ in our community.Let’s work together to make a meaningful inpact in our community!We are here to help you plan exciting activities, engage your staff, and celebrateyour impact. Every pound you raise helps us continue vital work in tacklingloneliness, providing practical support, and ensuring no one faces later life alone.Give us a call on 0300 003 199212
How Does it work?Whether you’re a purling pro or a knitting novice, everyone across the country isencouraged to stitch little hats to top Innocent smoothie bottles that will be sold in storesnationwide. For every hat, Innocent Drinks gives Age UK 30p. How can you take part?Grab your needles and wool – you’ll need size 4mm needlesFollow the simple knitting patterns available on the Innocent Drinks website or makeup your own!Bring your hats in to usMake sure to always check our website for up to date information You can also get involvedwith The Big Knit!The Big Knit is an annual nationwide campaign stemmingfrom Age UK National’s partnership with Innocent Drinks.Running since 2003, The Big Knit has been succesful inraising millions of pounds towards providing services forolder people helping them stay safe, warm and connected.13
You are doingsomething amazing!www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey0300 003 1992enquiries@aukmm.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 1003476 Registered Company Number 02625647