In the charity sector, trust is everything — and that trust often begins with your website. For Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, a well-known charity supporting older people across the region, their website needed to do more than inform. It needed to connect, comfort, and communicate with clarity and care.
The organisation came to us with a heartfelt brief: they needed a modern, accessible, and friendly website that captured their local identity while supporting their vital mission. The existing website was outdated, difficult to navigate, and didn’t reflect the warmth and approachability their team brings to every interaction.
For a charity that works directly with older adults, families, and volunteers, the stakes were high. And we were honoured to help them create a site that truly does their work justice.
A Clear Vision, A Collaborative Approach
From our very first meeting, it was clear that the Age Connects team had a strong sense of purpose — not just about what they do, but how they do it. Their tone is local, friendly, and compassionate. They’re not a faceless national organisation — they’re deeply rooted in the community.
So when we began the discovery phase, we focused on listening. Every word they shared helped shape the direction of the site.
We asked:
- What does a visitor need to find immediately?
- What barriers do older people experience online?
- How can we showcase your services and your human side?
- How do we structure content so that carers, volunteers, donors, and older people can all find what they need without confusion?
Their answers led to a design that prioritises clarity, accessibility, and community identity — all while staying practical for the small team managing it day to day.
Key Features of the New Website
To support Age Connects’ goals, we delivered a site that is both functional and emotionally engaging. Here are just a few highlights:
Mobile-First Design
With many users accessing the site via phones or tablets, it was essential to deliver a responsive experience that retained its clarity across all devices. Now, users can browse services, get in touch, or donate — no matter the screen size.
Clean, Calm Layouts
We chose a soft, inviting colour palette, large font sizes, and carefully spaced content to ensure the site feels easy to use, even for those who may have vision or dexterity challenges.
Accessibility-First UX
Age Connects serves an older audience, so accessibility wasn’t optional — it was mission-critical. We followed best practices for font legibility, contrast, navigation, and keyboard accessibility.
Simplified Navigation
We restructured the entire menu and page hierarchy to help users quickly find services, volunteer information, support options, and contact details — whether they’re an older person or a family member looking on their behalf.
Flexible CMS (Content Management System)
The site is built to evolve. Staff can easily update events, add new service pages, upload reports, and post blogs — without needing to call a developer.
Charity-Focused Functionality
We incorporated donation links, volunteer sign-up forms, and downloadable PDFs to support the charity’s operations, outreach, and fundraising efforts.
Beyond the Build – Ongoing Support That Matters
We don’t believe a website partnership should end when the site goes live — especially when you’re working with a passionate charity team.
That’s why our work with Age Connects didn’t stop at launch. We now provide ongoing support every month, assisting with:
- Regular content updates
- Minor design adjustments
- Technical guidance and troubleshooting
- New page layouts or feature requests as their needs grow
This monthly collaboration allows Age Connects to keep their website evolving alongside the charity — without burdening their internal team or stretching resources.
The Client's Thoughts
We were incredibly grateful to receive this warm and generous testimonial from the charity’s Marketing and Partnerships Manager, Karen Steele:
“Earlier this year Rhys Welsh was contracted to design and build our new Age Connects charity website to help strengthen our brand, ensure the site is user-friendly and fit for purpose. That’s exactly what he helped to achieve.”
“Rhys listened and understood that we really wanted the site to reflect our approachable local persona. Our entire team of staff and volunteers are delighted with the end result. Working with Rhys was a pleasure — all considerations and requests were taken into account and constructive advice given as and when required.”
“Now the new website is up and running, Rhys and Catrina are on hand every month to help with necessary updates, design amends, and developments as it evolves. Having them as part of our Marketing and Development team brings expertise, fresh ideas, and a confidence that our small charity team is able to keep up with the times. I would have no hesitation in recommending Rhys to any other organisation looking for a good service with a professional and personalised outcome.”
– Karen Steele, Marketing and Partnerships Manager
Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale
Why This Project Stands Out
Working with Age Connects reminded us why web design isn’t just about layouts and pixels — it’s about helping people. This website now serves as:
- A resource hub for older people navigating life changes
- A communication tool for families and carers
- A gateway for new volunteers to get involved
- A digital platform for fundraising and local support
It reflects the charity’s values in both style and substance. And most importantly, it helps extend their mission of support and advocacy into the digital space, where more people can access their vital work.
A Note to Other Nonprofits
If you’re a charity or community organisation wondering whether your current site is still serving you — we’d love to help you rethink what’s possible. Whether you need a full redesign or just some guidance on structure and accessibility, we’ll meet you where you are.
As a web design agency Cardiff teams trust to deliver thoughtful, strategic work, we specialise in bringing personality and practicality to every project — especially those with a purpose.