Planning for your future

Here you will find useful information to help you or your loved ones plan ahead to live the life you want.

Since October 2023, Age UK Surrey and Surrey County Council have been working together to raise awareness about the importance of planning for future care needs, understanding the costs of care, and connecting residents with local support services. Since launching we’ve supported over 3,600 residents to plan for future.

Working closely with the council, we aim to encourage residents to start early conversations about their future—what matters most to them, available support options, financial planning, and how to avoid making decisions during times of crisis.

Our goal is to help local people gain awareness and understanding of:

• the different care and support options available where they live
• the cost of care in Surrey
• support available for carers
• financial safeguards such as Lasting Power of Attorney
• finding local services
• benefits people may be entitled to

We want to ensure that anyone seeking care and support—whether for themselves or a loved one, has the best information they need to make the right decisions for their circumstances and that are affordable in the long term.

Ultimately, we hope to boost residents’ confidence in navigating the complex health and social care landscape. Many people are unaware of what services exist, who provides them, and how to access them. We’re here to make that easier.

Feedback from local residents

Feedback from local people who have attended our events has been consistently positive and proves the need for such a programme. When people come and talk to some of the local organisations that are part of our events they are provided with help and advice related to heir own circumstances and connected to relevant support there are then, The events showcase preventative services such as falls prevention, healthy living information, technology-enabled care and the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), Surrey Fire and Rescue, Action for Carers and Healthwatch Surrey.

“I was so ignorant of the care system when my mother got ill and then was discharged home, that I compare the experience to being pushed off a cliff. Your presentation has, I’m sure, helped very many navigate the system.”

“The information given was really easy to understand. It was good to have so many things spoken about, some of which I'd not even thought about before.”

“I found the whole talk really helpful. The financial information and understanding care home fees.”

“I came to learn more about what’s available for my 99-year-old Mother-in-law but now realise I need to consider this for me and my husband as well.”

“All the information provides you with a starting point for when you are faced with problems as I wouldn’t otherwise know where to start.”

“I had no idea that there were so many organisations available. Now I know who to turn to for information and support. It’s very useful having all their details in the checklist!”

National recognition

This programme has been recognised as ‘highly commended’ at the prestigious national Municipal Journal (MJ) Awards 2025. It was honoured in the Innovation in Children's and Adults' Services category and the only adult services finalist.

The LGC Awards 2025 also noted: This submission highlights a commendable communication campaign that effectively supports self-funders in planning for future care needs.

If you would prefer to speak to someone about planning for your future, contact us via:

• Telephone: 01483 446627
• SMS/Text: 07593 139560
• Email: planningforyourfuture@ageuksurrey.org.uk

Working closely with the council we hope to encourage residents to have early conversations about their future, what matters to them, support options, financial planning and help prevent them having to make decisions at times of crisis. If you want to know more about how we use your personal information for this project see our Privacy Policy.

Age UK Surrey is commissioned by Surrey County Council and local NHS organisations to provide information and advice about care and support to local residents aged over 50 and carers.