THE manager of a Stretton-based home care company is determined to change the face of ageing in his new role.

Martin Jones, managing director of Home Instead Senior Care, is one of four people to be appointed to the board of trustees of The Silver Line charity, a confidential, free helpline for older people.

It was founded by Dame Esther Rantzen DBE and is the UK's only service of this nature, much how Home Instead Senior Care pioneered companionship-based care and support for older people wishing to remain in their own homes.

Speaking about his appointment, Martin said: "Our mission is to change the face of ageing and everything that we do is focused on this.

"Our care service allows older people to remain living at home and stay connected with their community, where they feel valued and can continue to make a contribution.

"The Silver Line provides an invaluable support service, so our two organisations are well-aligned.

"My involvement with them will allow me to help shape some of the charity’s initiatives, perhaps most importantly those that help to combat loneliness amongst older people."

Martin is also a trustee of the Care Workers Charity, sits on the Age at Work Leadership Team for Business in the Community (BITC) and is the Champion for Older Workers for BITC.

He also sits on the board of TSA, the industry body for technology enabled care.

Sophie Andrews, chief executive of The Silver Line, added: "The new trustees bring a wealth of relevant experience to our board and join us at an important time in our short history.

"They have already demonstrated a passion for the cause and have some great ideas about how we secure longer term income to ensure we are sustainable for the future.”