HelpAge International helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. Our work is strengthened through our global network of like-minded organisations – the only one of its kind in the world.

In March, 2012, HelpAge was awarded the 2012 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. The award is the world's largest humanitarian prize, and is presented each year to an organisation that has delivered extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation receives more than200 nominations from around the world every year and the recipient is selected by an independent international jury.

With our partners, we support older people in the West Bank and Gaza, many of whom have been traumatised by daily attacks and violent conflict. One of the main problems older people face is social isolation. In response to this, we ensure that older people are visible within their communities.

HelpAge and our partner in Hebron PCCDS have worked together to set up a day centre for older people in Hebron, or a grandparents' house. It is an age-friendly place specifically designed for older people. They can go there to meet each other, talk, get information and advice and basic healthcare.

We also organise counselling and recreational trips to help older people recover. Hakma, for example, is 73 and lives alone in Gaza City. She has cataracts and one of her legs was amputated due to diabetes. Before she became part of our psychosocial programme with our Affiliate El Wedad in April2010, she hadn’t left the house in two years. She said: “I don’t complain about my health problems. The main thing is to see people and be able to leave the house. My house felt like a prison before. I felt really sad that I didn’t see anyone. Now I’m happy.”

We also include younger generations in our work to strengthen community networks. We are working in schools and involving children by designing posters, conducting plays about older people's needs and the best way to communicate with older people.

 Through our team of physiotherapists, we have improved older people's confidence through home visits, physiotherapy sessions and providing wheelchairs, walking frames, sticks and eye glasses. We are also helping older people to monitor their health problems by distributing diabetes testing kits, as well as providing essential items such as food parcels, hygiene kits and blankets.