Sheffield Mutual Goes the Distance

Walking 1.7 million metres for Independent Age

At Sheffield Mutual, helping people build financial security has been at the heart of what we do for generations.

As a mutual, we’re passionate about helping people save for the future and supporting stronger communities. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with Independent Age, the national charity working to end poverty in later life.

Throughout July, members of our team will be taking on a challenge that reflects both organisations’ commitment to improving financial wellbeing.

Sheffield Mutual Goes the Distance

Together, we’ll be aiming to walk 1.7 million metres.

Why 1.7 million?

Because that’s one metre for every older person currently estimated to be living in poverty in the UK.  When we looked at what 1.7 million metres meant, we realised it’s roughly the distance from Sheffield to Rome.

It felt like the perfect destination for our challenge.  Not only is it around 1.7 million metres away, but Sheffield and Rome also share an unusual connection – they’re both famously built on seven hills. 

So naturally…

All Roads Lead to Rome

Throughout July we’ll be tracking our virtual journey across Europe, sharing updates as we pass famous landmarks and make our way towards the Eternal City.

But while Rome is our destination, it isn’t the reason we’re walking.

Independent Age estimates that around 1.7 million older people - around 14% of the older population - are currently living in poverty, with a further one million people sitting just above the poverty line.

Financial hardship in later life isn’t something that affects a fixed group of people. Changes in health, caring responsibilities, bereavement, rising living costs and other life events can all have a significant impact on someone’s financial security.

If nothing changes, Independent Age estimates that the number of older people living in poverty could rise to four million by 2040.

That’s why the charity’s work is so important.

Independent Age provides free information and advice to help older people increase their income, reduce essential costs and live in safe, secure housing, while also campaigning for lasting change so that fewer people experience financial hardship in later life.

While Sheffield Mutual helps people build financial resilience through saving for the future, Independent Age supports older people experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.

Together, we’re helping to shine a light on an issue that affects far too many people.

Where Did Your Steps Take You?

Throughout July we’ll also be sharing where our colleagues’ steps take them.

From family holidays and local walks to sporting events, festivals, dog walks and countryside adventures, every metre will bring us closer to Rome while helping raise awareness of Independent Age’s important work.

Earlier this year, colleagues raised more than £1,500 through the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

Alongside the fantastic efforts of our team, Sheffield Mutual will also be making a corporate donation to Independent Age as part of our ongoing partnership.

Follow our journey throughout July as we discover whether all roads really do lead to Rome.

Every step will bring us closer to Rome, but more importantly, every step will help shine a light on the challenges facing older people experiencing or at risk of financial hardship.

Because while we’re aiming to reach Rome, our real destination is greater awareness of an issue that affects far too many people.

For more information on the invaluable work that Independent Age do, head over to their website > https://www.independentage.org/