Age Concern Hampshire has announced a leadership change as its chief executive steps down.

Helen Callen, who has held the role since 2018, will transition to the position of chair of the board, a voluntary role that will enable her to aid the new CEO and maintain her contribution to the charity.

The board expressed gratitude for her efforts in ensuring the organisation's sustainability, especially during the pandemic.

Age Concern Hampshire was founded in 1985 and provides various services, including support at care and wellbeing centres, help at home, information via its hub, foot care clinics, hospital-to-home services, community information volunteer services, and a range of activities across the county.

Ms Callen said: "This decision was not made lightly, leading Age Concern Hampshire has been the greatest honour of my career. I am proud of our achievements, particularly through the Pandemic, which would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of the charity’s staff and volunteers, and I would like to thank them all."

Age Concern Hampshire's board of directors has welcomed the change, expressing delight at the continuity and fresh leadership it will bring as the charity continues its mission to support older people in Hampshire.