Information and Advice
Our expert team are on hand to offer free and impartial help and advice on a range of issues that affect older people.
"I can't think what I would have done without you. I never expected such wonderful support and kindness."
Information and Advice client
Age UK has produced a new guide about Coronavirus that includes information about the symptoms of the virus, what people should be doing and how they can help keep themselves and others healthy and well.
Contact us by emailing or calling 01245 346 106
Our locally funded free Information and Advice service is available 10 am to 3 pm. Please note: the service is closed on Wednesdays, over the weekend and on bank holidays. If the service is receiving a high level of calls or closed, you will be given the option to speak to our partners at Age UK National.
The Age UK Essex Information and Advice service is a free, impartial and confidential advice service for anyone aged 50 or over, their friends, family, professionals and carers.
How we can help you
Our Information and Advice Service makes asking for help easy. Our team of professional advisors are only a phone call away and are fully trained to offer help and advice on a huge range of issues that affect older people.
Our advisors can help you confidently navigate some of the most difficult questions and situations that arise in later life and are experts in giving you the support you need. Some of the most common concerns we’re asked for help with include:
- Benefits Our team can offer assistance and advice on many aspects of welfare benefits including support to help you claim benefits, information about attendance allowanc, benefit checks to ensure you are claiming what you are entitled to and information about how to appeal against decisions regarding benefits.
- Housing We can provide you with details on housing options, possible adaptations to help you remain in your home and how to get help with heating costs.
- Social care Speak to us if you need to know what statutory and non-statutory social care services are available and their eligibility criteria or if you need help gaining access to social care services and equipment. We can also offer advice on payments for care and support at home or residential care.
- Legal Our advisors can provide information about making a will, dealing with an estate or arranging for others to make financial and welfare decisions on your behalf.
- Bereavement As well as offering emotional support by putting you in touch with local bereavement groups, our team also offer practical advice like help with benefits and money and who to contact after someone has died.
- Local services We have extensive knowledge of local services like clubs and groups and community transport that can help you stay independent, as well as leisure activities to keep body and mind active.
If the issue you need help with is not listed above, please don’t worry. Our team have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help get access the information and advice you need.
A service you can trust
We’re proud to have achieved Age UK Information and Advice Quality Standard mark, and the Advice Quality Standard (AQS), demonstrating that our service meets recognised Advice Sector standards of practice and that the information and advice we give is of a high standard of quality and accurate.
Get help online
The following information may help your query:
- Care homes - Find out information about care homes near you and in your area using the Essex Care Directory
- Housing options - If you require information about housing Shelter can provide help. Alternatively visit your local authority.
Details of district, borough or city councils in Essex:
Basildon Council - 01268 533333
Braintree Council - 01376 552525
Brentwood Council - 01277 312500
Castlepoint Council - 01268 882200
Chelmsford Council - 01245 606606
Colchester Council - 01206 282222
Epping Forest Council - 01992 564000
Harlow Council - 01279 446655
Maldon Council - 01621 854477
Rochford Council - 01702 546366
Southend Borough Council - 01702 212497
Tendring Council - 01255 686868
Uttlesford Council - 01799 510510 - Health conditions - If you’re worried about a health condition the NHS 111 service offers lots of information. In an emergency always call 999.
- Money advice - If you require advice about debt then the charity Step Change are able to offer expert, tailored advice and practical solutions.
- Leisure and social activities - Find out about clubs and groups taking place in your area.
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Benefit calculator
Even if you think you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to, it doesn't hurt to check. You could discover you may be eligible for additional support.
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Attendance allowance
You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if your ability to look after your own personal care is affected by physical or mental illness or disability.
Contact us by emailing or calling 01245 346 106
Our locally funded free Information and Advice service is available 10 am to 3 pm. Please note: the service is closed on Wednesdays, over the weekend and on bank holidays. If the service is receiving a high level of calls or closed, you will be given the option to speak to our partners at Age UK National.
Support us
The Information and Advice Service relies on donations from individuals and grants from commissioning bodies to provide this invaluable service. Find out how you can help us to provide support to many more of the most vulnerable people in our
communities.
Age UK free booklets and online information
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Read our info guides
Age UK produces free information guides and factsheets on a wide range of topics, including home adaptations, dementia, and advice for carers. You can find a complete list of guides and factsheets on the Age UK national website.
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Find information online
If you prefer to read information online, the Age UK national website has information and advice on many topics, including how to find a care home, how to avoid scams, and Power of Attorney.
Mrs B’s story
“I called the Information and Advice line to find out about a Nursing Home for my dad who suffered a stroke in November. Dad has dementia and is deaf so has some complex needs. We’re reliant on social care funding but we were told that dad would need to pay £140 a week towards his care but that would increase to £500 in ‘top up fees’ if we wanted to specify he went into a local home. I’m 65 myself, I look after my grandchildren full time and I have a step-father I visit everyday. I only receive state pension so money is tight. When we found out that the only affordable homes were in Braintree, Colchester or Clacton my heart sank. I live in Church Langley and rely on public transport. I feared my dad would get much worse if i wasn’t able to see him everyday especially as I was worried about his care if I didn’t keep an eye on him.”
How did Age UK Essex help?
“Gary at Age UK Essex was so reassuring and knowledgeable about dads rights. He advised me not to be forced into agreeing to any additional charges for dad’s care. He broke down all the complexities surrounding dad’s care and explained where we stood in terms of paying for the chosen care home we wanted dad to be in and he supported us throughout discussions with our Social Worker.”
What was achieved?
“Dad has been placed in a nursing home 4 miles from where I live so myself and the rest of the family can visit him throughout the week. Thankfully we don’t have to pay any extra ‘top up fees’ for dads Care Home now. I am so grateful for the help Age UK Essex gave me and my family. I was so frightened and worried for my dad but now I feel that dad is in good care and he and I are much happier."