
CSAN has recently commissioned an audit of older people's care services provided by the Catholic voluntary sector within England and Wales. The number of people of pensionable age as a percentage of a the population is rising and whilst many are enjoying a happy and healthy retirement, there are also those who are facing poverty / mistreatment and neglect. These people could be said to be the hidden excluded in our society today. There are hundreds of Catholics involved in services provision for these most vulnerable members of society but, until now, there has been no complete list or account of the professional and innovative services we know are being delivered. This audit has taken place over the last year with the intention to raise the profile of the issue of care of older people and showcase the wonderful work of the Catholic voluntary sector.