Information & Advice

Monday to Friday

8.30am - 4.30pm

0191 477 3559

We provide free confidential, impartial and independent advice for the over 50s, their families, carers and organisations working with them across a wide range of subjects.   

The telephone advice service is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm, and can be accessed by calling: 0191 477 3559 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 adaptations and how to prevent falls.
• Legal issues - such as wills, Power of Attorney, and how to deal with an estate.
• Social activities - local leisure, health and educational activities

Our high quality team of trained peer volunteers, supervised by a manager and supported by an administrator deal with over 3000 enquiries every year.  They will listen to your enquiry and:

•  Answer it themselves and advise you 
•  Send you written information
•  Refer you to one of our specialist teams of advisers and advocates 
•  Refer or signpost you to other organisations for help (statutory and voluntary sector)

 The service helps older people, their friends, relatives and carers within the Borough of Gateshead to tackle a wide range of issues including General Benefit checks, Attendance Allowance, the switch from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Plans, Welfare Rights, Housing, Consumers and other general issues.

Last year alone this service helped its clients to claim over £1.5 million of benefits they were entitled to.