As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact older people across the county, demands for financial support and advice are increasing.
Last month’s government announcement to cut the yearly Winter Fuel Payment to those only claiming Pension Credit will further add to the stress. As the ageing population increases, statistics clearly indicate the need for Age UK Gloucestershire to provide more advice and guidance around navigating the benefit system, to older people in the Forest of Dean.
Funded by Gloucestershire Community Foundation, Age UK Gloucestershire is taking its information, advice and guidance service out into the community. The Information Hub will be available 2 hours each month at Ow Bist Forest Community Space in Cinderford, an accessible, relaxed and social venue provided free of charge by the Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Resourced by Age UK Gloucestershire’s specialist Help Team and supported by volunteers, older people will be able to seek information, advice and guidance enabling them to:
– access the benefits they are entitled to, which will alleviate some of the pressure experienced by the increased cost-of-living
– receive support with completing complex Blue Badge and Attendance Allowance application forms
– access support if struggling financially
– seek support from Age UK Gloucestershire’s Digital Champion volunteers to help develop digital skills and confidence, empowering older people to utilise technology with tasks such as online banking apps, gaining access to financial advice and overcome digital exclusion
– engage socially in a friendly environment over a cup of tea, reducing social isolation and loneliness, whilst receiving cost-of-living advice and guidance.
Through the Information Hub older people will be signposted to organisations and agencies who can offer specialist help and support from the Voluntary, Community and Social Care sector, as well as Age UK Gloucestershire’s social groups.
Signposting will enable older people to access further specialist cost-of-living advice such as fuel poverty advice and how to keep warmer at home, plus information around planning for later life.
Over 11-months, Age UK Gloucestershire’s Information Hub will aim to support up to 10 older people at each session between 11am – 1pm at Ow Bist – Forestry Community Space in Cinderford on 5th September, 3rd October, 7th November, 5th December and into next year.
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
