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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 11h

Water is an essential but soaring costs are leaving too many older people cutting back. It doesn't have to be this way. Sign the #TappedOut petition for a single social tariff in England and Wales so no one has to ration this basic: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 18h

We're heading to SNP Conference! If you're joining us in Aberdeen, come along to our stand to find out more about how we can end financial hardship in later life for pensioners in Scotland. www.independentage.org/policy-and-r…

Photos show an older man smiling as he stands outside his home. Another is of a woman looking warmly at the camera. Text reads: Visit our stand at SNP Conference! 15-17 October, Stand A8 at TECA, Aberdeen.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Thank you for supporting our vital work over the years. We’re excited to take this next step with you as we stand together for older people on low incomes. Let’s end financial hardship in later life. www.independentage.org/our-new-brand

Two men laugh and grin as they speak to Mr Motivator, Derrick Evans MBE.

Guests at Independent Age's strategy launch event mingle and chat.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Yesterday we introduced you to Independent Age’s next chapter. We're so grateful to both Valerie and Mr Motivator, Derrick Evans MBE for sharing their own experiences of financial hardship at our strategy launch, reminding us why our work is so needed. medium.com/independent-...

Valerie, an older woman with long silver hair, stands at a lectern to give her speech. She holds notes in her hands, resting them on the laptop in front of her. Behind her a purple screen features her name and says she's a storyteller and Media Volunteer.

Two people point at a large hanging board which features a timeline of 'moments that have shaped Independent Age'.

Mr Motivator, Derrick Evans MBE addresses the audience at Independent Age's strategy launch event. He gestures with his hand as he gives his speech.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Across the UK, nearly 2 million older people are living in poverty but what does your area look like? 🔍 🖊️ Take a look at our interactive tool to check the situation where you live and ask your MP to stand up for older people on low incomes today: campaigns.independentage.org/page/199977/...

Text reads: What does pensioner poverty look like in your area? Search your postcode. Find out what life is like in your region. See the difference Independent Age is making. Take action - share your findings and write to your MP with our form.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

We provide free, expert advice with our free Helpline services We fund orgs making a difference in their communities with grants We champion real stories and evidence to campaign for a better later life for all Let’s end financial hardship in later life www.independentage.org/our-new-brand

Text reads: “Who was involved in the rebrand process? It was important to us that rebranding was a collaborative process to make sure we got it right.
We worked closely with Independent Age colleagues, partners and supporters who fed in their expertise and understanding from working with us, and we consulted with older people in financial hardship who shared their experiences and views.
Through workshops and testing, we have used an evidence-based approach to make sure our values, vision and mission are effective, clear and meaningful.”

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Independent Age stands with older people in financial hardship, offering urgent help today and shaping a fairer, more secure tomorrow. Our colours have changed but our mission hasn’t. Find out more about our new look and ambitious strategy: www.independentage.org/our-new-brand

Photos either above and below text show an older women with short lilac hair smiling at the camera as she sits in her home. Below this is another older woman who has her arms linked with an older man. The pair grin warmly and are stood outside in a street. Text reads: “For more than 160 years we’ve been supporting people facing financial hardship. Let’s end financial hardship.” A yellow arrow points to the right to encourage you to scroll on.

Text reads: “Who is Independent Age? Independent Age is the national charity working towards ending financial hardship in later life.
We’ve been known as Independent Age since 2005, but our history stretches back to 1863. Over the years we’ve covered many areas, including poverty. Recently, we refocused our efforts back to our original aim - to support older people on low incomes.
Through free expert advice and information, we’re there for older people, their friends, families and carers. We fund organisations across the UK to help people in later life in their communities. And we use real stories and research to influence decision makers as we campaign to improve later life for all.
We don’t believe anyone should face financial hardship in later life.”

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Since 1863, we've stood with older people. In 2026, we look different, but our purpose remains: Let’s end financial hardship in later life. We’re excited to announce a new chapter; an ambitious new strategy, a bold new look and a new tagline to unite us. medium.com/@indepedenta...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Catch us at #Lab26? CEO @joanna-elson.bsky.social joined @thefabians.bsky.social panel on how to ensure we have the income we need to live well in later life. Director of Policy & Influencing @morganvine.bsky.social spoke with @womensbudgetgrp.bsky.social on women's lifetime economic inequality.

Chief Executive Joanna Elson talks to others (mostly out of shot) as part of the Fabians panel at the Labour Conference.

Six individuals sit in a line to make up the Fabians panel on improving retirement income. They're in a room with red lights and a low table featuring a Fabian Society banner.

Director of Policy and Influencing Morgan Vine sits at a table with three others as part of the UK Women's Budget Group panel at Labour Conference. She raises her hands expressively as she addresses the audience.

The UK Women's Budget Group panel can be seen from the back of the room. Audience members listen attentively as the women discuss the inequalities women face from pay to pensions.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Looking for an opportunity to make a difference? We're recruiting a number of positions to help us in our work tackling financial hardship in later life: - Head of Influencing - Senior Governance and Risk Advisor - Internal Communications Officer jobs.independentage.org/Vacancies.a…

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

This week DESNZ officials joined our policy team & advisers to talk about the pressing need for additional energy bill support this winter Huge thank you to Yvonne for sharing her experienceshttps://medium.com/independent-age/prime-minister-andy-burnham-cost-living-crisis-water-energy-35430f798e6b

Group of 10 people standing in the Independent Age Offices.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

For more than 160 years, we've supported older people. Today we're the national charity solely dedicated to ending financial hardship in later life. On International Day of Older Persons, we're looking ahead to an exciting new chapter. 06.10.2026 www.independentage.org

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Are you interested in getting expert information delivered straight to your inbox? 📬 Twice a month, we'll share updates about our free information and advice for older people, as well as other ways Independent Age can help you. 🖊️ Sign up here: www.independentage.org/newsletter

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Director of Policy & Influencing @morganvine.bsky.social joined BBC Breakfast this AM to respond to the PM's proposal for a State Pension double lock. Every day we hear from older people struggling to make ends meet. With any changes, we must ensure pensioners have the income they need to live well

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Too often people in later life are left out of the conversation so we welcome the PM's acknowledgement of the issues facing older people on low incomes. With any triple lock changes, pensioners on low incomes now and in the future must not miss out. www.independentage.org/ceo-responds...

Screengrabs of Independent Age's reaction to Andy Burnham's speech read: "Before a double lock is implemented, we need to know that the UK Government has fully considered, and put in place protection for, older people on low incomes. Any changes that are made to the State Pension must ensure no current or future pensioners on a low income lose out. It is important to see action to tackle pensioner poverty directly. For instance, we would love to see a public take-up strategy to drive up the numbers receiving vital entitlements like Pension Credit and Housing Benefit. In the spirit of the Prime Minister's speech, everyone in this country needs to know they can rely on a strong social safety net if they reach older age without an adequate income."

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Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Suggestions today that the Prime Minister is considering reviewing the #triplelock. This is a divisive issue. At @independentage.bsky.social we would want to see a solid plan to tackle current and future #pensioner #poverty before money is taken away #lab26 #labconf26 #olderpeople #costofliving

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Fabian Society @thefabians.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

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Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We at @independentage.bsky.social are at the party conferences talking to politicians about tackling poverty in later life. Our calls: * urgent energy bill support now * increase take up of social security * uprate Local Housing Allowance Read more: www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Happy birthday to acting legend Denis Lawson! Wishing you a wonderful day 💚 We're grateful for Denis' support in joining our calls for the Scottish and UK Governments to act on pensioner poverty. Take a look back at Denis' work in our video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV_q3mveALQ…

Actor Denis Lawson sits in an empty room. He has a serious expression and looks into the camera. He's wearing a grey blazer with a dark green shirt beneath.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Did you hear @morganvine.bsky.social on the @resolutionfoundation.org podcast? As calls to scrap the triple lock grow louder, too often older people on low incomes are missing from the conversation. 🎧Listen here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3U2JYGQr6cjlzVCHrX2Ad3?si=tmvRBVztQB2mAvDZCuIYug

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Independent Age... at the #LDConf in Brighton...with a giant tap. Thank you to everyone who stopped to learn about our call for a single social tariff on water bills. We want fairer water bills so no one is #TappedOut. www.independentage.org/about-us/cam…

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Independent Age is #hiring! We are looking for an Adviser (Scotland) to join our team. This role will be responsible for providing specialist support to older people, their families and carers through our advice service. Closes: 4 October jobs.independentage.org/Vacancy.asp…

A blue graphic featuring an older man wearing glasses and smiling on the left hand side. On the right, text reads: We're recruiting... Adviser (Scotland)
jobs.independentage.org

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Independent Age is looking for a Trusts and Foundations Manager to join our team! If you are an exceptional relationship-builder, who can translate data into compelling funding propositions, this may be the role for you. Closes: 4 Oct jobs.independentage.org/Vacancy.asp…

Pink graphic featuring an older woman wearing a turtle neck and glasses.

On the righthand, text reads: We're recruiting... Trusts and Foundations Manager
jobs.independentage.org

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Ensuring older people receive their entitlements would not only lift many out of poverty but also result in savings across health & social care spending The current system is failing older people but it doesn't have to www.independentage.org/policy-and-r…

Independent Age graphic, featuring text that reads: Increasing take-up of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction could save up to £90 million a year across health and social care costs in Scotland. In the bottom corner, there is an icon of a medical clip board

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Did our giant tap at #LDConf grab your attention? 💧 Too many people in later life are rationing water because of unaffordable bills. We're calling for a single social tariff in England & Wales to change this. Join us and sign the #TappedOut petition: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Join us at #Lab26 for our event with @thefabians.bsky.social CEO @joanna-elson.bsky.social will be joining the conversation on how we can improve retirement security and build a fairer approach to later life. 🗓️Mon 28 Sept ⏰1.45-2.45pm 📍Bluecoat, Liverpool fabians.org.uk/retiring-well

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We've had a brilliant day talking to the public and #LDConf attendees about our call for a single water social tariff in England and Wales! Did you spot the tap? 🚰 There's still time for you to sign the #TappedOut petition: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Lovely to catch up with @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social and Jennie at our tap 💧 Too many older people on low incomes in England and Wales are rationing their water usage to get by. It doesn't have to be this way. #TappedOut #LDConf campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Thank you to @benmaguiremp.bsky.social for popping down to see our giant tap 🚰 Together we can push for fairer water bill support! #TappedOut #LDConf campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

If the UK Government worked with water companies to introduce a single social tariff in England and Wales, up to 578,000 older households could be lifted out of water poverty 💧 #TappedOut campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The number of older people living in water poverty in England and Wales could rise to one million by 2029/30. Water is an essential. Nobody should have to worry about whether they can flush the toilet or wash. #TappedOut campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#TappedOut: Too many people in later life are having to think twice about using their washing machine and even showering Water is an essential. Let's make support meaningful and fair with a single social tariff in England and Wales campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We'll be outside the Brighton Centre with our GIANT tap until 3pm today. Come on down to find out how you can help us end the postcode lottery of water support. #TappedOut: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/pe…

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We're at #LDConf with our GIANT tap to call for fairer water support Your postcode shouldn't decide if you can afford your water bills. A single water social tariff in England & Wales would lift older people out of poverty Sign the #TappedOut petition: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

A giant silver tap sits on the Brighton promenade on a bright sunny day. "Fairer water bills so no one is #TappedOut" is written across the front while water bills emerge from the spout. A sign next to it has more information on the #TappedOut campaign. The sea can be seen behind along with the old Brighton pier.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Drip…drip…drip… 💧 We’re taking our calls for a single water social tariff in England and Wales to the #LDConf in Brighton and we’re bringing something BIG 👀 Mon 21 Sept 10am – 3pm Outside the Brighton Centre campaigns.independentage.org/page/1…

A man wearing a protective helmet uses a welder on a large metal frame. He's in a workshop where equipment can be seen behind him.

A workbench holds several large items - a big piece of curved pipe, three black tubes with rounded ends and a black circular disc. There are pieces of sandpaper scattered around.

A close-up shows a corner of a workshop with wooden shelves. To the right, cut off by the image, is a grey cylinder with a curved lid and a smaller tube coming out.

A map of Brighton shows a blue water drop where the Independent Age stunt will be taking place. It's located on the promenade outside the Brighton Centre.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Too many people are missing out Pension Credit despite its potential to help with NHS costs, reduce Council Tax bills and more. While we continue to call for a take-up strategy, our expert advisers can help with applications. www.independentage.org/get-advice/m…

Text reads: Up to 1.2 million older people are missing out on Pension Credit, despite being eligible.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

We are #hiring! We are looking for a Head of Service Development to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Independent Age’s services and maximising our impact for older people facing financial hardship. Closes: 25 September jobs.independentage.org/Vacancy.asp…

A recruitment advertisement from Independent Age. On the left, a smiling elderly woman with short white hair sits outdoors, wearing a blue fleece jacket over a blue top. On the right, text reads: We're recruiting... Head of Services Development. jobs.independentage.org

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

It’s clear that the current system is failing too many older people. We know that poverty in later life can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s essential that everyone receives the support they’re entitled to. news.stv.tv/scotland/alm...

news.stv.tv

Almost 200,000 Scots missing out on £346m in benefits, charity warns

Research by Independent Age found older Scots failing to claim Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and council tax reduction.

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Third Force News @thirdforcenews.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

In this month’s magazine we take a deep dive into sector responses to the #ScottishGovernment’s #ProgrammeForGovernment and hears from @povertyalliance.org @oxfamscotland.bsky.social @endfuelpoverty.bsky.social @cpagscotland.bsky.social @independentage.bsky.social Read it all here: buff.ly/gZMa7sv

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

#PensionAwarenessWeek: The State Pension age is changing - are you ready to support the older people you work with? Our free training sessions will build your understanding of benefits in later life, giving you the skills to help older people. www.independentage.org/get-advice/t...

Text reads: The State Pension age is changing. The State Pension age will increase from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. This will affect everyone born on or after 6 April 1960.

Text reads: How will it work? If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961: your State Pension age is rising from 66 to 66 plus a number of months, depending on your exact birth date. If you were born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977: you'll reach State Pension age at 67.

Text reads: Looking ahead. Use the online UK Government calculator to check your State Pension age. There are plans to increase the State Pension age to 68 in the future.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

NEW RESEARCH: Almost 200,000 older people in Scotland are missing out on vital entitlements leaving them to cut back on basics to get by. Improving take-up would lift older people out of poverty and save £90M a year across health and social care costs. www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...

Text reads: Eligible older people in Scotland are missing out on £346 million worth of social security from Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

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Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Great to be on @moneybox.bsky.social with @paullewismoney.bsky.social discussing @independentage.bsky.social research on low take up of social security entitlements.We're urging UK Govt to publish a strategy so everyone gets the money they are entitled to. Listen: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The UK Govt can make a real difference in the Budget The Local Housing Allowance freeze leaves too many cutting back to plug the gap between support and rent. Ask your MP to join calls for LHA to reflect real rents and offer the support it's designed to: campaigns.independentage.org/page/200260/...

A row of coloured houses features one in grey. A quote from older renter Thomas reads: "The increases in rent over the past year have far outstripped the increases in pension... and because Housing Benefit is based upon an unrealistic rent, I now pay 60% to 70% of my income in rent alone."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Last week, our Policy, Grants & Influencing Directorate came together to step back from day-to-day priorities and focus on our plans for 2027. We are excited to take these plans forward and continue to work towards ending financial hardship in later life! www.independentage.org/about

Group of about 30 individuals from Independent Age smiling in a room.

Professionals listening attentively to a presentation.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

A huge good luck to our brilliant team taking on the #GreatNorthRun today! Your support is making a real difference for older people facing financial hardship. Find out how you can make a difference while taking on a challenge: www.independentage.org/support-us/f…

A man wearing an Independent Age running vest and a cap runs is in the middle of a crowd of runners focusing forward.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Increasing take-up of vital entitlements would lift 280,000 older people out of poverty. @morganvine.bsky.social spoke to @paullewismoney.bsky.social and BBC Money Box about why a take-up strategy is needed to make sure we all receive the support we need in later life. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

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Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Did you hear @independentage.bsky.social on BBC Breakfast & the Today programme this morn? We are talking about the impact of low social security take up. As well as a massive impact on the individuals missing out, increasing take up to 100% could save the NHS & social care nearly a £billion a year

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In his first few weeks as PM, Andy Burnham has said he is serious about providing the public with some much-needed “breathing space" from the cost-of-living crisis. But how will this impact older people facing financial hardship? Learn more in our new blog: indepedentage.medium.com/prime-minist...

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