Age UK Norfolk launches advice sessions in North Norfolk

Age UK Norfolk is launching a new series of accredited community-based advice sessions in response to increasing demand for face-to-face support among older people in North Norfolk. Thanks to funding from the Sir Martin Laing Fund, administered by the Norfolk Community Foundation, the charity will begin delivering sessions in Sheringham and Stalham from June 2025.

This three-year initiative is designed to ensure that older residents in rural and coastal areas can access vital support with confidence. Delivered by trained advisors, these free, confidential sessions will offer support with navigating health, care and welfare benefit services alongside planning for later life.

Emma Harkness, Head of Information and Advice at Age UK Norfolk, said:
“We know that many older people prefer to speak to someone in person, especially when it comes to sensitive or complex issues. These new sessions will bring trusted, expert advice directly into the heart of communities where we’re seeing real need.”

The sessions will initially focus on Sheringham and Stalham, where demand for accessible, walk-in support is high and is complemented by further sessions, funded separately, at Holt Community Centre.  The charity is also actively seeking funding to extend this outreach to North Walsham and other nearby areas.

Simon Fenn, Community Manager for The Salvation Army in Sheringham, where the sessions will be held monthly, said:

“Many of the people who use our services—such as Sewing Sisters, Connect Club, and Solo-Link, which supports those living alone—are generally older members of our community. That’s why we’re especially pleased to be partnering with Age UK Norfolk. Their monthly drop-in sessions within our Community Welcome Space add another vital layer of support to our already comprehensive, person-centred approach.  By working together, we can better support the needs of those in need, offering not only practical advice and guidance but also opportunities for connection, wellbeing, and spiritual care.”

“Thanks to the generous support of the Sir Martin Laing Fund, we’re able to take another step toward a wider ambition: ensuring that no older person in Norfolk is left without the advice they need, when and where they need it most,” added Emma Harkness.

These community advice sessions will complement Age UK Norfolk’s existing telephone and appointment-based services, creating a more flexible and inclusive advice network for older people across the county.