Helpage International
Analysis
Helpage International is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in November 1983, 43 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, the advancement of health or saving of lives, the prevention or relief of poverty and overseas aid/famine relief, which this site groups under health and saving lives. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 01762840). It says it makes grants to organisations, provides human resources and provides services.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Helpage International reported income of £32.1m and spending of £34.1m, spending 106% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income grew from £22.1m to £32.1m (+45%), an average of +9.8% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2023, when income rose by 40%. Over the whole period it spent 100% of the income it received.
Among 24,651 England and Wales charities whose main cause is health and saving lives and that reported income, Helpage International sits at the 99th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Refuge (£32.0m), WCS Care Group Limited (£32.1m) and Muslim Hands (£31.9m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 34%. Charitable activities took 100% of spending and raising funds 0.0%. Reserves of £3.5m would cover about 1 months of spending at that rate.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 34%
- Investments 0.7%
- Other 65%
In the charity's own words
HelpAge International's vision is a world in which all older people fulfil their potential to lead dignified, active, healthy and secure lives. We work with our partners to ensure that people everywhere understand how much older people contribute to society and that they must enjoy their right to healthcare, social services and economic and physical security.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Refuge | London | £32.0m |
| WCS Care Group Limited | Warwickshire | £32.1m |
| Muslim Hands | Nottingham | £31.9m |
| Treloar Trust | Alton | £32.3m |