Information and advice

Age UK Stockport offers a free and confidential information and advice service covering a range of topics.

In response to staffing and funding challenges, we have conducted a review of our service, placing a strong emphasis on the safety of our clients and the quality of our support.

Our decisions are guided by the principle of avoiding lengthy waiting times and ensuring individuals receive timely and accurate advice, tailored to their needs.

Despite these challenges, our dedicated staff remain available to assist clients, whether that be over the phone or in person at our Edgeley Hub.

Our commitment to providing accessible and reliable support remains unwavering.

Contact us for more information to see how we can assist you.

Important Service Update: Changes to Our Information and Advice Service

We are dealing with a period of unexpected pressures impacting our staff availability and we are implementing some changes to ensure a smoother experience for our clients while maintaining the quality of our services.

Why are we doing this?

To manage and reduce Wait Times: We're working diligently to minimise wait times for our valued clients. Your time matters, and we're committed to ensuring timely assistance.
Staff Well-being: Our staff's well-being is crucial. By managing demand pressures, we aim to support our team while they continue to provide an excellent service.

What's changing and what stays the same?

Our commitment to offering reliable information and guiding you toward the resources you need remains unchanged.

Benefit Entitlement Checks: We'll continue to assist in identifying the benefits you're entitled to.

Blue Badge Applications/Renewals: Our service will continue to assist with blue badge applications and renewals for those who need it.

Any other benefit applications, appeals or queries with your current or any potential benefits, we will identify and signpost you to the most appropriate service.  We understand the importance of these services and will work to get you to the right place for the support you need.  

Thank you for your understanding and continued support during these changes.

Your well-being and access to vital resources are our priority.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or require support.

How to access the service

You can access our information and advice service in the following ways:

By phone: 0161 477 1213

By email: advice@ageukstockport.org.uk

By drop-in at: The Hub, 2 Castle Street, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 9AB on the following days/ times.

Tuesday morning *by appointment only* – Blue Badge application / renewal support 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Thursdays 10:00am to 14:00pm – General drop-in to find out more about Age UK Stockport support and services.

Due to the length of time it takes, and also the information needed to complete the application form, an appointment must be made in advance. To make an appointment please call our Information and Advice team on 0161 477 1213

Please note our phone lines are busy dealing with clients, so you may well get the answer phone. Please do leave a message and we will get back to you.

Please note the office that Age UK Stockport had in Merseyway was permanently closed in September 2020.

Topics we cover include:

• Benefits- We can provide information and advice on most pension age benefits and can assist you to find more detailed information on working age benefits. We can also help complete a range of forms.
• Blue Badge Applications- we can provide information on how to apply for / renew your badge and can support with the completion of applications if you are unable to do so yourself. Please note: Age UK Stockport are not part of the blue badge team, so will be unable to update you on the progress of your application, please contact the blue badge team direct for this information.

We can provide you with basic information and assist / signpost you for more detailed information on the following topics.

• Housing
• Transport Options
• Consumer and utilities problems
• Paying for care
• Information and advice for carers
• Employment issues
• Reducing isolation
• Personal and home safety
• Finding or accessing practical help at home
• Improving or maintaining mobility, health, and independence 
• Identifying and supporting people with emotional issues
• Support and encouragement to identify options and issues.

If we do not have the specialist knowledge or expertise necessary, such as some legal forms, we will provide you with information of who can assist you.

Our workers take a holistic and individually focused approach, working with you to understand the situation and discuss the type and level of support that may be wanted and where it can best be found.

Please note, we can only speak to third parties with the client’s consent. We will ask for proof of Power of attorney if you are contacting us on behalf of a client.

All our advisors are trained to give general advice but also with a focus on issues affecting those in later life, their carers and families.

We also link closely with the other agencies and services across Stockport.

Contact us for more information to see how we can assist you.

For more information about activities at The Hub Please click here