Big increase in demand for Norwich OAP charity
Sam EmanuelA charity which helps elderly people has seen a massive increase in demand as the cold weather and the recession leave pensioners in need.Sam Emanuel
A charity which helps elderly people has seen a massive increase in demand as the cold weather and the recession leave pensioners in need.
Age Concern Norfolk has seen a 24pc increase this year in its outreach service, which provides benefit advice and helps older people fill out benefits forms in their own homes.
The charity's helpline has also had a 16pc increase in the number of callers in the last year, receiving 6,395 calls about a range of issues, including benefit entitlement, health and family matters.
Lin Mathews, the information, advice and advocacy team leader, said: 'I am pleased that the number of calls has increased because it means more people were claiming the benefits they are entitled to, but it is a bit of a double edged sword because it means the number of elderly people in need is likely to have increased.
'I would urge any older people who are struggling in any way, even if you think you have too much money to qualify for help, to call our advice line and see if we can help them.'
Age Concern Norfolk can be contacted by calling 01603 787111 or by emailing acn@acnorfolk.org.uk.
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