Local Age UK providing individual support as winter looms

UPDATED - 28 November 2022

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (WSBH) is announcing a package of support to help older people cope with the cost of living crisis this winter. The charity will help people access benefits, food banks and grants as well as signposting people to ‘warm spaces’ – a warm public place to spend time for people who feel unable to heat their homes this Winter.

Age UK WSBH’s Information and Advice team will be on hand to give individual advice and can help those eligible access things like benefits, winter fuel payments, cheaper water tariffs, grants for white goods, plus food bank vouchers. The charity also has a section on its website (www.ageukwsbh.org.uk) dedicated to the Cost of Living Crisis which includes a benefits calculator, so those online can easily establish if they are entitled to additional financial support.

The Household Support Fund Phase 2, which ends on 30th September, was a recent initiative by the Government to help those most in need with significantly rising living costs. The team at Age UKWSBH worked in partnership with local Citizens Advice services and helped older people in our area access approximately £65,000 worth of grants from this initiative.

Helen Rice, Chief Executive at Age UK WSBH said “Despite the recent Government announcements, many older people are still incredibly frightened about the increase in the cost of living and the affect that will have on them this winter. It’s shocking that no matter how frugal people they are being, many pensions are just not enough to cover the essentials to keep people warm, healthy and well fed.

Despite feeling the squeeze ourselves, we are doing everything we can to help vulnerable older people and we’re calling on local businesses or individuals to support our vital work if at all possible. I’d urge anyone worried to get in touch with us before they take drastic measures, like keeping their heating off or limiting their food. We know this is an incredibly tough time, but we are here to help.”

Age UK WSBH, currently marking its 65th anniversary, is needed more than ever. The charity is hoping to urgently raise additional funds to help older people facing isolation and poverty this winter. Donations, big or small, from organisations or individuals will all go directly towards ensuring Age UKWSBH can support as many older people as possible through the cost of living crisis. Donations can be made online at www.ageukwsbh.org.uk

To find out more, to donate or to seek support please email Age UK WSBH on info@ageukwsbh.org.uk or call 0800 019 1310