Moor Allerton Everyone Cares

This year, Moor Allerton Everyone Cares (MAECare) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. For three decades the charity has been at the heart of the community, supporting older people to live active, connected, and independent lives.

Since its founding in 1995, MAECare has grown into a lifeline for hundreds of older people across north Leeds. At a time when many face isolation, financial pressures, or health challenges, its services provide vital support, companionship, and opportunities to thrive.
Services for Older People
MAECare offers a wide range of services tailored to the needs of older people, including:

• Specialist Dementia Support – one-to-one guidance, groups, and activities for people living with dementia and their carers.
• Exercise & Wellbeing – classes designed to keep people active, healthy, and confident
• Digital Inclusion Support – helping people get online, use smartphones, and stay connected with friends and family.
• Social Activities – groups, clubs, and trips which reduce loneliness and build lasting friendships.
• Advocacy & Advice – including help with benefits such as attendance allowance and signposting to other services.
  The organisation is proud to be a dementia-inclusive charity, offering support that is welcoming, safe, and responsive to individual needs.

One service user summed up the impact: “MAECare has been a lifeline for me. I’ve made friends, stayed active, and I don’t feel alone anymore. It’s hard to imagine life without it.”

30 for 30 Fundraising Campaign
To mark its 30th year, MAECare has launched the 30 for 30 Campaign, aiming to raise £30,000.
This target could help sustain the Dementia Specialist Service for another year if NHS funding is withdrawn. If the service continues to receive funding, donations will instead strengthen the charity’s wide range of activities, ensuring older people in the community can continue to access exercise, advice, social support, and more.

Like many charities, MAECare is facing difficult times, with rising costs and funding streams under threat. The campaign is about safeguarding services so that older people do not lose the support they rely on. Donations can be made via their website.

The Role of Volunteers
Alongside financial contributions, MAECare depends on the commitment of its team of around 50 volunteers. Without them, the charity would not be able to deliver the variety and quality of services it provides.
Volunteers support exercise classes and social groups, accompany people on trips, and offer one-to-one help with practical tasks. Some have been involved for decades, while others are new, bringing fresh energy and skills.

One volunteer explained: “I started helping at MAECare to give something back, but I’ve gained so much myself. I’ve made friends, learned new skills, and it feels good to be part of something that really matters.”

MAECare welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, cultures, and age groups (over 18, to comply with insurance requirements). The current team ranges in age from 18 to 92.

To make volunteering more accessible, the charity has introduced a “try before you apply” approach, allowing potential volunteers to experience different roles before making a commitment. Opportunities are flexible – from just an hour a week to more regular support – and all volunteers receive a full induction and ongoing guidance.

Looking Ahead
While the 30th Anniversary is a moment to celebrate how far the charity has come, it also highlights how essential its services remain. Cuts to funding, rising costs, and the increasing needs of older people mean MAECare must continue to adapt and find new ways to sustain its work.

With the support of donors, partners, and volunteers, MAECare is committed to continuing its role at the heart of the community – offering safe, inclusive, and enjoyable opportunities for older people across north Leeds for many more years to come.