Age Concern Dorchester - Home Page Article

Funding crisis threatens older people . . .

Funding crisis threatens vital support for older people in Dorchester.

Funding cuts are leaving hundreds of older people in Dorchester without access to basic support, warns Age Concern Dorchester today as it launches its The price of no advice campaign.

The charity’s independent and trusted Information and Advice (I&A) services, which last year helped to put  hundreds of thousands of pounds into the pockets of older people across Dorchester, are in danger of disappearing unless further funding is found.

To kick off the campaign, Age Concern is launching its new report Transforming lives to highlight the vital role that independent I&A services play in tackling poverty and exclusion, promoting dignity and providing support for older people.

New research for the report found that the charity’s I&A services provide a lifeline for those who use them. Claiming the money they’re entitled has given the vast majority more money for essentials such as food, fuel and clothes, and means they can continue to live independently with a better quality of life. Most people also reported a greater sense of wellbeing and reduced levels of anxiety, thanks to reduced money worries and a feeling that they have someone on their side to help - their Age Concern adviser.  Yet many of the services used by those who were interviewed are under threat because of funding cuts.

Age Concern Dorchester is calling on Dorset County Council  to ensure that vital local services are provided to meet the needs of older people.

Age Concern Dorchester’s Information and Advice Manager, Peter Lindsley, said:

“We know that the most effective way of urging older people to claim the extra money they’re entitled to is through the provision of independent information and advice. Yet, at a time when steep hikes in household bills are causing misery for hundreds of older people in Dorchester, it beggars belief that billions of pounds in benefits cash is sitting unclaimed and funding for vital information and advice services is being stripped back.”

Through its annual benefits take-up campaign last year, Age Concerns across the country collectively helped older people to claim over £100million in money benefits. Yet in spite of this achievement, the vast majority of Age Concerns are at risk of losing, or have already lost, funding for these essential services.

Your contact for this item is Information & Advice or telephone 01305 269444.