Age Concern was founded in Barnstaple in 1990 by Andrea Scott. Andrea ran the Charity until retirement in 2022 when Amanda Howard became the CEO.
In 2023 Age Concern Barnstaple and District became Age Concern Barnstaple and North Devon CIO and today provides 8 services to older and vulnerable people in Barnstaple and the North Devon District.
With a small staff team and over 100 filled volunteer roles our services support over 3,500 people each year.
Our services reduce loneliness and isolation, improve health and wellbeing and support independent living.
2023-2024
Amanda has a degree and masters degree in business and marketing, 10 years’ of marketing experience in the finance and media sectors at Reuters and consulting in London and 20 years’ experience in the charity sector at the BBC, NSPCC, Cotswold Friends and Age Concern in Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and North Devon – specialising in crisis management, funding, service development, marketing, volunteer and risk management, governance and leadership.
Sarah has over 30 years of experience as a bookkeeper, with payroll, HR and general office management expertise. A local girl Sarah moved back to Barnstaple after living and working in London for 17 years, most recently as Operations Director for a fashion retail recruitment company.
Tina has over 15 years’ experience managing and delivering services with North Devon Citizens Advice, The Stroke Association, and as a Family Advisor and Funeral Organiser. Tina also has experience volunteering on the bookings desk for a community transport charity.
Natasha has over 20 years of experience as a Registered General Nurse and has been managing Age Concern ‘home visiting’ services for over 15 years. Natasha is an expert in supporting older people and is the Age Concern Safeguarding Lead.
Jill Ackland
Volunteer Manager
Alison Marks
Team Support Assistant
Alison was originally a West Country girl and has moved back to the area in recent years. She has experience of working as a Benefits Assessor, and in customer service roles. Her early employment was in the Museums Service having worked as both a Keeper of Art and an Art & Exhibitions Officer. Alison volunteered for the Happy at Home charity in Northampton before moving to Barnstaple and joining Age Concern.
Rob Ward
Although born in Barnstaple, Rob spent several years working in Swindon and Birmingham as a Youth & Community worker. Rob also worked in Yeovil and Milton Keynes, before returning to North Devon and joining Barnstaple Town Council in 2018 as Town Clerk. Rob has town, area, Council and funding expertise. Rob has been a very active supporter of Age Concern in the past and joined the Trustee Board in 2023.
Bea Gravett
Treasurer
John Challis
Trustee
Born in Barnstaple in 1961 and joined the army (Devonshire and Dorset Regiment) in 1978, stationed in Kent, West Germany, Essex and Northern Ireland. Moved back to Barnstaple and spent most of my working life in the sale and supply of building materials. A Barnstaple Town Councillor with specific interest in Barnstaple services and facilities and a keen interest in supporting older people in our community.
Louisa York
Trustee
Louisa York joined the Board of Trustees in August 2024, and is a Town and District Councillor representing Newport Ward in Barnstaple. Louisa is also a registered childminder. Louisa was born in Barnstaple and is passionate about local issues, Louisa is a former Mayor of Barnstaple.
Angela Walter
Trustee
Angela Walter has lived in Barnstaple for many years, now working at the North Devon District Hospital as the Lead for the Admiral Nursing Team – Dementia Specialist Nurse. Angela has worked for the NHS for 37 years as a Registered Nurse in Barnstaple, London and Exeter.
Angela is passionate about ensuring that older people are treated equally in our society and is pleased to be supporting Age Concern to help to achieve this within our community.
Angela is also a very keen runner, having completed (so far!) 28 marathons, most of which have been for charities both locally and nationally.
Janet Coates
Representative
Janet has been a Town Councillor and has represented Pilton and Yeo Ward since 2019. In May 2024 she became Mayor of Barnstaple, having been Deputy Major for the previous two years. Janet has lived in Barnstaple since birth, and spent most of her time teaching in schools in North Devon. She is Chair of Pilton United Charity – an Almshouse charity and is a Trustee of Pilton House Trust, and the Davie Trust. She has a keen interest in older people in the local community.
Nigel Timms
Trustee
Nigel was born in Kent and worked as a Production Manager in the conference and advertising industries in London. He retired in 2012 and moved to North Devon and has been kept busy renovating his old house. He has volunteered with the National Trust since 2014, working with the outdoors team at Arlington. He also volunteers with Barnstaple in Bloom and is a volunteer driver for Age Concern.
Nigel has a keen interest in supporting older people in the local community.
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(9.30am – 3.30pm weekdays)
116-118 Boutport Street,
Barnstaple EX31 1TD
A Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Registered in England and Wales Charity Number: 1201835
©2024 Age Concern Barnstaple & North Devon | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
A Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Registered in England and Wales Charity Number: 1201835
©2024 Age Concern Barnstaple & North Devon Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy
