Age UK – A wealth of support and services in West Sussex, Brighton & Hove

We had the pleasure of Emma Finnister attend our group on 29th October. Emma works for Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove. If you are 50+ then you are eligible to access some of their services including various social groups Monday to Saturday. The aim is to provide support and company, to prevent loneliness and isolation. 

Emma explained that the local branch of Age UK is not connected to the national Age UK charity shops, or head office, they are a franchise and depend solely on local council grants and donations. 

Age Uk can provide free expert advice om a wide range of issues including benefits, housing and health. Their clubs provide friendship and fitness. 

If you are over 65, they will support you in traveling home and settling back you in after a hospital stay, for up to six weeks post stay, helping you to regain confidence. 

Community Agents work to support, advice and signpost people, encouraging them to stay healthy, independent, informed and connected. 

Age UK provide a wealth of support including dementia and carer’s support as well as providing respite. They currently provide a weekly home visiting service to provide companionship and a listening ear. 

They provide a help at home scheme with services like cleaning, shopping, laundry and gardening, although understandably there is a charge for this service. However, you would have the peace of mind of knowing that the person would have been thoroughly vetted and DBS checked by Age UK, also knowing that if you are not satisfied with their service, Age UK will remove them and find someone else for you instead. Emma recommended the organisation www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk for finding trades people as it is run by trading standards. 

Another scheme that Age UK run is the “Gift of Friendship” which offers up to 26 weeks of befriending support either face to face of over the phone, 

The national number 0800 019 1310 is the one to call for support with claiming benefits and housing. 

Although like many of our members I am over 50, we also have younger members from women in their 20’s and 30’s onwards. However, many of our younger members may also have family, friends or neighbours who could really benefit from some of the services and groups, so please bear this in mind. 

Please be aware that some of these services may change due to funding and for some their may be a charge, please contact Emma at crawley@ageukwsbh.org.uk  for more information.