News / #BristolCharityAdvent
Bristol Charity Advent 2019, day 17: Age UK Bristol
A charity that works to provide support and reduce loneliness and isolation among older people is seeking to raise £25,000 over the next year.
Age UK Bristol is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a campaign to fund its information and advice service, which helps 2,500 residents a year get the benefits that they are entitled to.
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The independent charity works in the community to support older people, their families and carers with a mission statement to ensure everyone is able to love later life. It offers free, impartial advice on social care, housing, and lasting power of attorney.
The charity aims to ensure everyone in Bristol can enjoy their later life
Margo is in her 70s and has always lived in Bristol with her husband, Ken. When Ken was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s, Margo was referred to Age UK Bristol.
“You can feel frighteningly alone with dementia.” Margo says. “It’s not something friends and family can always help with, and legal advice from solicitors can cost a lot of money. I felt like I didn’t know what to do and I was scared of saying the wrong thing in case we lost the house.”
Juliet, the charity’s information and advice advocacy and dementia worker, got in touch and was able to support Margo as she applied for council tax reductions, her pension credit and power of attorney.
“If I’ve got a problem, I know I can go to Juliet for impartial advice,” says Margo.
“She’s a good intermediary to have with the council and she helps me to find out what I need to know to make the right decision. Best thing I ever came across.”
The charity’s services include the Active Together Dementia Buddying Project, which matches a person living with dementia with a volunteer. They go out weekly to take part in their shared hobbies and activities.
Age UK Bristol’s co-chief executive, Kay Libby: “Christmas is often a difficult time for lonely and isolated older people, perhaps their family has moved away and friends are busy.
“Take the time this holiday season to check in with your neighbours and friends. Age UK Bristol has been supporting older people across Bristol for 25 years. If you know someone who is struggling, perhaps we can help. Call us or check our website for our services.”
Age UK Bristol needs to raise £25,000 over the next year
To support the Age UK Bristol campaign visit: www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?campaignId=10041&charityId=1007482#
Read more: ‘We need to change perceptions of ageing in Bristol’
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