Information and Advice Resource Centre

On 12 October 2018 the Worshipful the Mayor of Eastbourne Councillor Gill Mattock cut the ribbon that officially opened the Age UK East Sussex Information and Advice Resource Centre. At Faraday House, to celebrate the launch of this important development for the charity were Age UK East Sussex staff, volunteers, Trustees and stakeholders including Mr Paul Ramsbottom from the Wolfson Foundation and Mr Michael Harris from the Masonic Charitable Foundation Sussex Freemasons who were among the generous funders of this project.

 Travelling around the diverse county of East Sussex the Information and Advice Resource Centre vehicle will enhance the charity’s vital services and give increased access to vulnerable older people in hard to reach locations. Fully equipped with easy access for those with mobility issues, a confidential meeting space and support on a range of issues provided by Information and Advice Officer and trained volunteers. The team will provide information on a range of topics including finance, health and housing and help with form filling, local information and signposting to other services. As with the Age UK East Sussex current Information and Advice service a large proportion of enquiries will relate to support in claiming age related social welfare benefits. In 2017/2018 Age UK East Sussex collected £191,286 in unclaimed benefits for older people in a desperate financial situation.

 Celebrating its 70^th year providing support for local older people the Information and Advice Resource Centre is an important part of development of Age UK East Sussex and its aim to be: ‘a financially sustainable charity and social enterprise, led by our customers, collaborating with others and delivering excellence.’

 Age UK East Sussex is extremely grateful for the generous support for this vital new service from: Masonic Charitable Foundation Sussex Freemasons, Wolfson Foundation, RBS / Natwest Skills and Opportunities Fund, Dunhill Medical Trust, Big Lottery Awards for All, Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust, Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust and Green Hall Foundation.

 For further information about the Age UK East Sussex Information and Advice Resource Centre, services provided, volunteering and other ways to support Age UK East Sussex please visit www.ageukeatsussex.org.uk online or call 01273 476704.