The Ascent movement in England and Wales is an active branch of Life Ascending International, part of a worldwide catholic movement of the mission of the older person. This gives each member a sense of friendship and Christian solidarity stretching far beyond parish boundaries, but it in no way diminishes the parish friendship, love and sense of community. The Ascent is an organisation for Christian lay people and is organised by lay people, while working with the hierarchy of the church. It has Papal recognition. Decree of Recognition Vatican 25^th March 1996 and is listed under Life Ascending International

A new vision for older people

The Ascent movement is part of the spiritual apostolate rather than a directly helping agency such as SVP, CWL or UCM. However, Ascent members are often active within these associations.  Until La Vie Montante (Life Ascending International) came into being, no spiritual movement or organisation offering spirituality, friendship and mission for older men and women existed.