Age needs one voice. Now it has:
Age NI is the new force combining Age Concern Northern Ireland and
Help the Aged in Northern Ireland. Age NI is a member of the Age UK family.
The new force combining &
Alfred* was struggling with loneliness and he could not afford to heat his home. He also suffered from arthritis.
'I was living in one room in my terraced house. My wife died a few years ago and I’ve been struggling on my own with loneliness and depression. Money is tight and oil is expensive so I’d huddle up next to an electric heater with my coat and hat on every day. However I couldn’t afford the electric bill either. It was so icy I couldn’t get out to buy many groceries, I'm not the steadiest on my feet due to bad arthritis. I didn’t have any friends and only saw the postman when he was bringing bills.
'A neighbour called with me one day and said she was concerned about me as the weather was so bad. She put me in touch with an Age NI advisor. The advisor was a life saver, helped fill in all my benefit forms. I'm now £123 better off a month. I've been putting money aside each month for oil for this winter so I’m prepared. I never knew Age NI existed and I can’t believe I was losing out on all those benefits. I'm so much happier now and also go each week to a local Age NI Day Centre where I’ve made some new friends. Life is good.'
If you or someone you know needs a benefits check, contact the Advice Service on Freephone 0808 808 7575 today.
To help Age NI support people like Alfred, make a donation to the Spread the Warmth campaign.
* Alfred's story is representative of some of the older people we helped last winter.
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Leaflets, factsheets and guides aimed to keep you informed about ageing well in Northern Ireland.
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