A special thank you goes to the James Joyce, an authentic Irish Pub in the centre of
Madrid, for hosting the event, to Simon Montague from The British Embassy our witty quiz master and to York Marbella S.L. – Marks and Spencer for donating the top raffle prize. Similar events will be held across Spain so keep your eyes peeled.

The money raised will go towards the work done by ACASA’s volunteers to overcome poverty, illness and isolation for its two client bases – people over the age of 50, and those of any age who serve or used to serve in the British Armed Forces, and their families, as ACASA does the work of SSAFA Forces Help in Spain. Contact 902 00 38 38 or info@ageconcern-espana.org for further information.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

THANK YOU TO THE TEAMS AND PRIZE DONORS:

The Cafeteria

at IH Alonso Martinez

ACASA – The National Casework Service of Age Concern España – would like to say a big thank you to all those individuals who responded to our Christmas Appeal. In particular we would like to thank York Marbella SL – Marks & Spencer for their generous donation of 1,000€. Their Marks & Spencer store can be found on the second floor of La Cañada Shopping Centre in Marbella.

If you missed the Christmas Appeal don’t worry, donations can still be made via our website www.acespana.org, just press the donate button, or by contacting Kim Stollard on CCM@ageconcern-espana.org or 917 146 439.

We have seen an increase in demand over the last month as those already struggling with illness, isolation and poverty struggle to cope with the excess demands brought on by winter and the holiday period. It is only with your help that we are able to respond to those in need. No amount is too small.

ACASA has two client bases – people over the age of 50, and those of any age who serve or
used to serve in the British Armed Forces, and their families, as ACASA does the work of SSAFA Forces Help in Spain. Contact 902 00 38 38  or info@ageconcern-espana.org for further information.

Come join in the fun and chase away the January blues with our ‘So you think you know Spain’ quiz. The James Joyce is a traditional Irish Pub with friendly staff and great food. There will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes to be won.

We look forward to seeing you there!

This Christmas many of you will be enjoying the company of family and friends, waiting with bated breath to see what Santa Claus has brought and tucking into a dinner of turkey with all the trimmings.

Spare a thought for those who are unable to celebrate Christmas this year due to isolation, poverty and illness. Read our Christmas Appeal Newsletter below to see how you can help.

Click on the Donate button above and give a Christmas present to someone who really needs it.

Kim has told us that she is very excited about joining ACASA as the work it does here in Spain is vital. She has been coming to Spain since 1978 and has lived both in Madrid and the Costa del Sol, so knows first-hand the joys and problems associated with living here. She has a background of working for Charities, having worked for the Citizens’ Advice Bureau in the UK and Spanish charities in Madrid, as well as having a solid business background, all of which, we believe, gives her the insight and experience to pursue the aims and objectives of ACASA whilst making sure that it continues to be managed in a business-like and professional manner.

ACASA has two client bases – people over the age of 50, and those of any age who serve or used to serve in the British Armed Forces, and their families.  Although most of the British expatriates living in Spain are able to live a relatively good life, others find life has become a struggle and they need help to know what to do next. For them, they can call ACASA on 902 00 38 38 or email ACASA on info@ageconcern-espana.org to discuss their problems and receive information and advice on how they might be resolved. In some cases, our volunteer caseworkers will be asked to arrange to visit clients in their homes to help them to make an application for financial assistance to UK charitable funds. We can also advise on what benefits may be available in Spain from both the UK and Spanish authorities, and we can signpost people to local organisations and facilities in their area, and, where necessary, may support a client’s return to the UK. Whatever the problem, please call. We are always honest with the  people who contact us and, although we cannot always give someone the life they want, we can ensure they are aware of what options exist and help them to make the most appropriate decisions for their situation.

Kim is looking forward to raising ACASA’s profile within the British community and working together with organisations, companies and individuals to ensure that together we remain a strong community: one that lives legally here in Spain, takes steps to ensure its own future and does not forget those that need its help.”

ACASA – Official Partner of The British Embassy in Spain, AGE UK, and SSAFA Forces Help

ACASA - Age Concern’s national casework service in Spain - continues to be extremely busy with referrals of clients from throughout Spain. Mostly these are residents of the areas of Spain with the highest numbers of British expatriates i.e. Andalucia and the Valencian Community.

ACASA has two client bases – people over the age of 50, and those of any age who serve or used to serve in the British Armed Forces, and their familieis, as ACASA does the work of SSAFA Forces Help in Spain.  Contact 902 00 38 38 or info@ageconcern-espana.org for further information.

 ACASA – Official Partner of The British Embassy in Spain, AGE UK, and SSAFA Forces Help

The members of ACASA’s Executive Committee were there as was its Country Manager, Kim Stollard, and its Almonisation Officer, Pat Neal. Attendees included representatives of UK military and non-military charities, all of which have existing and potential clients living in Spain. The meeting was extremely useful with those present discussing issues affecting their clients in Spain and how they can assist in resolving their problems. Judy also took advantage of being in London to visit several charities at their offices for discussions.

ACASA’s relationships with the UK Charities is vital to our work and, after the 16 years of annual meetings, those relationships are built on mutual trust and respect such that the UK Charities accept ACASA as an ‘honest broker’ between them and their clients in Spain.

Members of the ACASA Executive Committee

(from L-R) Judy Arnold-Boakes, President; Angela Keay, Secretary; Oscar Franklin, International Programme Manager for Age UK and Sarah-Jane Morris, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Consular Network Manager for Southern Europe, and ACASA Treasurer. Liz Prosser, Branch Director, SSAFA Forces Help, is also an ACASA Executive Committee member.

ACASA – Official Partner of The British Embassy in Spain, Age UK and SSAFA Forces Help.

Since 2001, many members of our Armed Forces have given their lives and many more have been seriously injured. But it will be a long time before the full effect of the conflict is known on all those who have taken part. As our soldiers, sailors and airmen return home, some will be carrying physical and mental scars that will last a lifetime. For some, their long term care will fall to families and friends who will often require support themselves.
In the months and years to come, SSAFA Forces Help in Spain, through its partnership with ACASA, will be here to help veterans and their families, young and old alike, including those who have served in Afghanistan. It is important that we remember that the effects of war remain a long time after peace has been declared and that we all owe a debt of gratitude towards all those men and women who have served their nation regardless of personal sacrifice.

ACASA – Official Partner of The British Embassy in Spain, AGE UK, and SSAFA Forces Help

Although Age Concern’s client group consists of people over the age of 50, those clients have extended families of children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren and more! Sometimes an older person’s concern can be caused by a problem of a younger member of the family and if we can resolve that person’s problem then we have helped the older client to regain their peace of mind. When families are involved, we cannot always separate one member from another.

For example, a mother contacted Age Concern concerned about her adult son who was going through a particularly difficult time, which was causing her much anguish. She had contacted other organisations, all of which told her over the telephone that they could not help. ACASA was the only organisation which responded by saying we would visit her. We did not know if we could help but we talked to the client face-to-face which she appreciated greatly as it meant that someone cared. But we found that we could help. Between the client, ACASA, and the local Age Concern Organisation (Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur) the son was helped to return to the UK where he was helped to be rehabilitated to the point where he is now in good employment and rebuilding his life – and Mum is happy again.

So, thank you again to the pupils and staff of the British School of Alicante who know that they can play a very important part in helping other members of the community. The ethics instilled in the pupils by the School to help members of the community in which they live will stay with them throughout their lives to the benefit of everyone.