Campaigns & issues

In the photo documentary 'Independent advice - a lifeline for older people' four older people explain the difference receiving help from Age Concerns’ information and advice services have made to their lives. The documentary is part of Age Concern’s campaign to ensure that older people don’t pay the price of no advice.

Information and advice workers are the unsung heroes in the battle to tackle pensioner poverty and to promote their dignity and independence. In 2007-08 Age Concerns around the country put more than an extra £100 million in older people’s pockets.

Yet many older people risk not getting the help they need because Age Concerns face difficulties maintaining or expanding their services to meet growing demand. This is especially true of the time consuming but essential services of form filling‚ home visits and outreach.

The videos displayed here are being hosted on YouTube. If you cannot see them it means you do not have access. We have included an option for you to download them instead. If you have any comments about the videos or any questions please email  margaret.creear@ace.org.uk

Lary

 

Lary is 90‚ was widowed 3 years ago‚ and now lives alone. She desperately wanted to stay in the home she has lived in for 60 years. The only problem was that she found getting out to the shops difficult. So she rang Age Concern Birmingham. Here Lary describes what happened next.

Download Lary.mpg (14.7MB)

 

Brenda and Trevor

 

Brenda and Trevor contacted Age Concern Stafford & District because they were having difficulties with their Housing Benefit claim and were afraid that they would not be able to pay their rent. Brenda was becoming very stressed and both were in poor health. Here Brenda and Trevor talk about their visit to see an adviser and how this helped.

Download Brenda and Trevor.mpg (15.8MB)

 

Terry

 

Terry’s job in a recycling plant was undermining his health. He needed to leave work but as he was 60‚ he could not draw his pension. He contacted Age Concern Teesside and has recently gone back to them as his wife will shortly reach retirement age. Here Terry explains what happened.

Download Terry.mpg (11.5MB)

Photography by Georgie Scott.