Advice & Information

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen offers a free and confidential advice and information service for older people, their families and carers.

How to access the service

You can access our information and advice service in a number of ways.

By email: advice@ageukbwd.org.uk

By phone: 01254 266620

At our office: Book an appointment or drop-in to our offices in Blackburn Central Library or Darwen Town Hall

Opening times:

Our information and advice officers are available Monday to Friday:

Blackburn Central Library 10am to 4pm and in Darwen Town Hall 9.30am to 1pm

Topics we cover:

Our advisers are trained to help you on the following topics.

• Social care - such as finding a care home or getting some help at home, and how it's funded.
• Your income - including free benefits checks, help with applying for benefits and pension advice.
• Your home - information on staying warm at home, home adapatations and how to prevent falls.
• Legal issues - such as wills, Power of Attorney, and how to deal with an estate.

Our advisers are trained to help you with a range of issues, including:

• Benefits
• Pensions & other money issues
• Debt
• Housing
• Care, health & support
• Consumer issues
• Information about other services
• Form filling
• Letter writing
• Negotiating with third parties

If you think we can help you, no matter how small the issue is, please contact us.

Last year we dealt with 7318 enquiries and helped older people in the local area access £1,702,912 in unclaimed benefits. We can also help you!

Case study

Mr Ford's mother has developed dementia and is finding it very difficult to manage living on her own. Mr Ford has been caring for her when he is not at work but has found this increasingly hard.

Our advisor was able to go through all the options available for help and care with Mr Ford and his mother, and help them make an informed choice as to what the next step would be.

Outreach service

We offer a home visiting service for older people who are unable to come into our offices, providing advice and information in their own homes.

During the last year we have dealt with 2360 enquiries from people.

Money Advice Service

We also offer free, independent information sessions on a range of financial issues through the Money Advice Service.

Find advice on issues such as:

• Pensions and retirement planning
• Borrowing and credit
• Budgeting
• Tax
• Savings and investments

Please contact our Blackburn office to access this service.

National Money Advice Service website