Norfolk Charity launches later life advice sessions in Thetford
Published on 29 January 2025 03:04 PM
Local Charity, Age UK Norfolk, is set to launch later life advice sessions in partnership with Norfolk and Waveney Mind at the REST hub in Thetford. On Thursday 16th January, Age UK Norfolk, who have supported older people in the county for over 75 years, will run their first monthly face-to-face drop-in information, advice and signposting session from the REST Hub. The hub is a partnership project that brings together mental health support, local services and a place where everyone can feel welcome. REST stands for Recover, Eat, Support, and Talk, reflecting the different ways we can be more connected in our community.
Over monthly sessions, 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 addition, the REST Community Wellbeing Hub provides 1-2-1 and group-based support to people who are experiencing mental health difficulties in a non-clinical environment.
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.
“We are excited to continue to develop our outreach advice service by including Thetford in our offer. We know that some people prefer to utilise our services face to face; residents of Thetford and the surrounding areas will now have access to accredited information and advice in a way that suits them, via the REST Hub.”
- Emma Harkness, Head of Information and Advice at Age UK Norfolk
Age UK Norfolk is seeking funding to support the provision of their community advice sessions in Thetford 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 REST Hub include Thursday 16th January 11-1, Thursday 6th Feb 11-1 and Thursday 6th March 11-1. For more information about these advice sessions, please contact the Charity’s helpline on 0300 500 1217 / advice@ageuknorfolk.org.uk.