Age UK Norfolk Launches free information and advice sessions in Reepham
Published on 29 January 2025 02:56 PM
Local Charity, Age UK Norfolk, is set to launch later life advice sessions in partnership with the Bircham Centre, in Reepham. On Monday 27th January, Age UK Norfolk, who have supported older people in the county for over 75 years, will run their first face-to-face information, advice and signposting session from the Bircham Centre, which has been a key part of Reepham’s town centre for more than 100 years.
Over a number of sessions over the coming months, people over the age of 50 can speak to a trained Age UK Norfolk advisor on a variety of topics including benefit entitlements (and support to make applications), Lasting Power of Attorney, social care, advocacy services, companionship services, planning for later life and more.
In early 2024, Age UK Norfolk undertook consultations with its staff, volunteers and local older people to understand what services people in later life in Norfolk required. The provision of face-to-face advice was quickly marked as an unmet need, and the Charity has dedicated time this year to developing partnerships for local advice-giving opportunities. In September, Age UK Norfolk was successful in securing funding via the Norfolk Community Foundation for a face-to-face Befriending pilot in the Reepham area which has assisted the Charity’s advice team with identifying Reepham as a prime location for advice sessions in the community.
“We are excited to continue to develop our new outreach advice service by including Reepham in our offer. We know that some people prefer to utilise our services face to face; residents of Reepham and the surrounding areas will now have access to accredited information and advice in a way that suits them via the Bircham centre.”
- Emma Harkness, Head of Information and Advice at Age UK Norfolk
Polly Brockis, Centre Manager for The Bircham Centre added, “We are delighted to be able to host Norfolk Age UK Norfolk so that people will have the opportunity to speak in person with an advisor about the issues which concern our older community.”
Age UK Norfolk is seeking funding to support the provision of their community advice sessions in Reepham and would welcome contact from local organisations or businesses interested in sponsoring the activity going forwards. Expressions of interest can be made to fundraising@ageuknorfolk.org.uk.
Current dates for advice sessions at the Bircham Centre include Monday 27th January (9am-12pm drop-in), Wednesday 12th February (appointment only via The Bircham Centre) and Monday 31st March (9am-12pm drop-in). For more information about these advice sessions, please contact the Charity’s helpline on 0300 500 1217 / advice@ageuknorfolk.org.uk.