“Your life matters. Your mind matters. Your body matters. Your choices matter. Your values matter – how can we help?”

At Gloucester Charities Trust, this is more than just a phrase. It’s the heart of our approach to caring for older people. We believe that later life should be about living well, not just getting by.

Why this matters now

People are living longer than ever before – but these extra years aren’t always lived in good health. Challenges such as frailty, loneliness, and long-term conditions can make life harder. In Gloucestershire, the number of people over 65 is expected to rise by more than 40% by 2040. That’s a huge change, and it means more people will need support to stay well, connected and independent.

Our commitment: Living well, not just longer

We know that the two biggest barriers to living well in older age are:

  • Frailty – a natural part of ageing that makes recovery from illness or falls harder, but which can often be delayed with good health choices and staying active.

  • Loneliness – more than a million older people in the UK regularly feel lonely, which can have a huge impact on both mental and physical health.

At GCT, we focus on tackling both. Whether through housing, care, activities, or community connections, our work is about enabling people to feel valued, supported, and in control.

Choice and control at every stage

Getting older doesn’t mean giving up independence. We believe every person should have a sense of agency – the confidence that you can still make choices and shape your life – and a sense of ownership – the assurance that those choices are truly yours. Even when care and support are needed, we see it as a collaboration, not something “done to” you.

How we support you to live well

We offer a range of services to help people live the life they choose:

  • Sheltered housing – safe, comfortable homes with support when you need it.

  • Day care – social activities and companionship to stay active and connected.

  • Residential care – compassionate support in a homely environment.

  • Respite care – short-term breaks to give both older people and their carers time to rest.

Beyond this, we’re committed to listening. Our residents and club members help shape our services, ensuring that what we offer reflects their needs, preferences, and values.

Looking ahead

Living well in later life is not just about health – it’s about belonging, dignity, and joy. At GCT, we’ll keep asking: “Your life matters, your mind matters, your body matters, your choices matter, your values matter – how can we help?”

📞 Call us on 01452 500429
📧 Email info@gloschar.org.uk
🌐 Visit: gloucestercharitiestrust.co.uk