A charity focused on the wellbeing of seniors has moved into a new headquarters.

Ministers and MPs from across the aisle welcomed Age Concern into their new headquarters near Admiralty House in Pembroke yesterday.

Many of them who were aged 50 and older also signed up to become a member of the group as they became eligible to join.

Callan Bassett, the head of business development for Age Concern, said: “Our members love it here – we actually had one member request that he have his next birthday party in this space.”

Age Concern moved from their old headquarters on Burnaby Street, Hamilton, because its new home has more space and easier access.

Mr Bassett said that the headquarters came with a kitchen and ample event space.

He added that this, combined with the seaside view and park space, made the new headquarters perfect for hosting events.

Mr Bassett said: “As the Covid pandemic and restrictions ease up a bit, we’re going to be focusing on increasing the social interaction between our members and this place is ideal to do that.”

He added: “Our old space was a professional office building and good for the time, but it was on the fourth floor so our members couldn’t really get there as easily and parking was a lot harder because you had to pay.

“It’s just more convenient for our members.”

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, congratulated Age Concern with acquiring the new headquarters.

She also thanked them for their work with seniors, who she called “without a doubt a pillar of our community”.

Ms Furbert said: “We are grateful for Age Concern’s advocacy, commitment and membership – they are actively involved in our community and they are a significant stakeholder in the positive progression of issues and initiatives that affect our seniors.”

David Burt, the Premier, also thanked the group for their help in assisting the Government care for Bermuda’s ageing population.

He said: “The Government is not alone in our efforts to support our senior population and third sector partners such as Age Concern and the work that they do is vital to our community.”

Cole Simons, the Leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, said: “As a country we know that we have progressed because we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, namely our seniors and elders.

“We want to thank Age Concern for advocating for the concerns of our older population.”