A comprehensive look at Age UK's support
Age UK is the UK's leading charity for older people, working to ensure that later life is fulfilling and enjoyable for everyone. With a nationwide network of local branches and a powerful national voice, the organisation offers an impressive scope of services and support. This detailed overview breaks down the different areas where Age UK provides assistance, from direct care to influencing public policy.
Information and advice services
One of Age UK's most critical functions is providing impartial, reliable information and advice on a multitude of topics relevant to later life. Their expert advisors can help older people and their families navigate complex issues, ensuring they can make informed decisions.
- Free National Advice Line: The Age UK Advice Line (0800 678 1602) is a free, confidential service open 365 days a year. It provides guidance on everything from money and benefits to retirement and care.
- Benefits and Entitlements: Age UK helps older people understand and claim benefits they are entitled to, such as Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. This includes assistance with application processes and, in some cases, home visits.
- Money and Legal Advice: Beyond benefits, they offer support on wider financial matters, including pensions, debt, and ways to save on household bills during times of economic hardship. Their legal services can also provide guidance on issues like wills and Power of Attorney.
- Printed Guides and Factsheets: A wealth of informative guides and factsheets are available in print and online, covering topics on health, housing, and general wellbeing.
Combatting loneliness and isolation
Loneliness is a significant issue for many older people, and Age UK offers several services designed to foster companionship and connection.
- Befriending Services: This is a core part of Age UK's offering, combating loneliness and social isolation. They offer both telephone befriending, where volunteers make regular friendly calls, and face-to-face befriending in some local areas.
- The Silver Line Helpline: As a partner charity, Age UK runs The Silver Line Helpline, a free, confidential helpline offering conversation and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Social Activities: Many local Age UK branches host a wide range of social events and activities, from exercise classes and day centres to cafés and hobby groups.
Support for carers
Age UK recognizes the immense pressure faced by unpaid carers and offers dedicated support to help them in their role.
- Practical and Emotional Support: Local Age UKs provide support groups where carers can meet others in similar situations, as well as accessing emotional and practical support.
- Financial Assistance: They offer clear advice on financial support available for carers, including information on Carer's Allowance and Carer's Credit.
- Respite Services: The charity offers respite services, such as sitting services or respite centres, which provide much-needed breaks for carers.
Practical help and wellbeing services
Beyond advice and befriending, Age UK delivers practical services to help older people maintain their independence and stay well at home.
- Home and Handyperson Services: Local branches often provide professional home help for day-to-day tasks and handyperson services for small jobs around the house.
- Digital Inclusion: Recognising that digital exclusion can heighten loneliness and limit access to services, Age UK runs programs to help older people get online, improve digital skills, and feel more confident with technology. This can involve loaning technology and providing one-to-one or group sessions.
- Health and Wellbeing: Age UK offers health programs and activities, such as exercise classes, to improve physical and mental wellbeing. They also provide support for people living with dementia and their carers.
Campaigning and advocacy
On a national level, Age UK serves as an expert voice on ageing, campaigning for policy changes that improve the lives of older people.
- Advocacy: The charity works to ensure older people's voices are heard and their rights are protected on issues like healthcare, housing, and social care.
- Campaigning for Change: They run targeted campaigns on key issues, such as ensuring fair access to public services for older people who are not online. They also influence policy at local and national levels.
How Age UK support varies between national and local services
Age UK operates with a two-tiered structure, offering services at both national and local levels, each with distinct focuses and specialisations. Understanding this structure helps in accessing the right type of support.
| Feature | National Age UK | Local Age UKs |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | UK-wide | Hyper-local (e.g., Age UK London, Age UK Norfolk) |
| Key Services | National Advice Line, Silver Line Helpline, Campaigning & Advocacy, Information Guides | Face-to-face Befriending, Social Clubs, Home Help, Day Centres, IT Training, Handyperson services |
| Access | Primarily telephone and online | In-person and location-specific programs |
| Funding | National fundraising and central resources | Local fundraising, grants, and charity shops to fund services in their specific area |
How to get support from Age UK
Accessing support from Age UK is designed to be straightforward. The first step for many is calling the free national advice line or visiting the national website for information and to find a local branch. For specific local services, it is always best to contact your local Age UK directly, as their offerings can vary. The charity's network includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru, and Age NI to provide tailored support throughout the UK.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question, what do Age UK support?, is answered by a broad range of services designed to address the diverse needs of older people and their carers. From addressing loneliness through befriending to providing critical information on benefits and campaigning for policy change, Age UK's work is comprehensive and far-reaching. They aim to empower older people to live fulfilling, independent lives, supported by a dedicated network of staff, volunteers, and local branches. Whether seeking practical help, social connection, or financial advice, Age UK is a vital resource for older people across the country. For more information, visit the official Age UK website.
