Local Age UK helps older people access a record £6.5 million – as many struggle to make ends meet

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (WSBH) has helped eligible older people access a record £6.5 million this year, as many continue to struggle to make ends meet in the current economic climate. Demand for support remains incredibly high as people continue to face rising everyday costs, higher household bills and the challenge of managing on low fixed incomes. 
 
The charity’s small Information & Advice team helped 1,547 older people access a combined total of £6.5 million in benefits, grants and discounts - an average of £4,255 per person. The support can be life changing. Many callers have no idea they can claim anything, but find themselves thousands of pounds a year better off after the charity’s intervention.  

The figure for 2025/26 is a record for Age UK WSBH and £1.7 million higher than the previous year. While it reflects the expertise and dedication of the team, it also highlights the financial pressures facing older people, with more people reaching out desperately worried about covering the basics of heating and eating.  

Liz Ansell, Information & Advice Manager at Age UK WSBH, said: “This has been our best year ever in terms of accessing help for older people, but that’s primarily due to widespread need. Those who have scraped by previously are turning to us as their worries and debts mount. Many are cutting back on food, are cold in winter, or feel frightened about the future as their bills continue to rise. Thankfully, we can often turn things around.  
 
“However, demand is so high that some days we’re unable to answer around a quarter of our calls. This is heartbreaking, as we know a lot of our callers are desperate for support. This year, we hope to secure donations or funding to add an additional expert to our team. With each advisor accessing over a million pounds per year, their impact would be immediate and far-reaching – offering people relief, reassurance and hope when they need it the most.”  

Although the Information and Advice team is small - the equivalent of just 5.5 full-time advisors - it provides great value for money. For every £1 invested in the team, approximately £24 is secured for older people in benefits and grants. Most enquiries take over an hour of advisor time as cases are often complex and can require persistence to ensure that the caller has as much support as possible. 

It costs approximately £100 to provide this help to one older person, but the result can be life-changing. People who would like to support the charity’s work can donate online or text 'livewell' to 70191 to give £10.

The organisation is a network partner of Age UK, but is an independent charity, raising its own funds which are all spent locally.

If you or someone you know would benefit from Age UK WSBH’s support, please call 0800 019 1310 (lines are open 9am – 2pm, Monday to Friday). If you are struggling financially, but lines are initially engaged, please keep trying. You could also email info@ageukwsbh.org.uk  

The helpline can provide up-to-date information and advice on a wide range of topics, not just financial matters. The team supported 3,063 people in total across the year, 1,547 of which were helped with money matters. Other issues covered included housing needs, finding help at home, health and social care, family and personal matters, leisure and social activities, and advice for carers.