29 Jan 2025
We live in an age where those seeking information can simply just Google it, but what do older people do if they don’t have access to the internet?
Local grant-giving charity St Albans Old People’s Trust has produced a new printed book to help older people who are struggling to access much-needed support.
They spent six months finding out from local older people on low incomes what sort of help they need, researching sources of free and low-cost support and creating a colourful directory.
The Silver Pages is packed with details on a broad range of sources of support including how to access free items, help to claim benefits, access to grants, help for pets, community transport and bereavement support. It also gives details on many welcoming clubs which meet locally. Each section is colour coded and clearly marked.
The Silver Pages also contains lots of testimonials and real-life stories from local people whose lives have been improved and, in some cases, transformed by the help they received.
Kate Newton, grants manager for the trust explained: “We receive many calls each week from older people telling us about their issues, often they are only just about managing to make ends meet.
“Many are missing out on financial help that they are entitled to, and which, in some cases could almost double their income.
“They also tell us they want to get out more, but need places which are free or low-cost, welcoming and are in venues which are easily accessible.”
The trust is aware there is a huge amount of local help available for older people, but many don’t know about it. Examples include:
- Citizens Advice St Albans offers Keep More of Your Money consultations and has specialist Energy Support advisors who can offer face to face appointments;
- Those with poor vision can obtain specialist support from Herts Vision Loss or the Talking Newspaper service;
- People who struggle to cook for themselves can access Community Meals or attend the drop-in lunchtime restaurant at the Jubilee Centre in Catherine Street;
- Computer Friendly can help individuals become more digitally included;
- People with issues such as care support needs can access multiple sources of assistance through Herts Help.
As well as these services and charities, the Silver Pages also contain information about benefits for those of retirement age, such as Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance, as well as the help available locally to apply for them.
Kate explained why the trust is so passionate about older people getting the benefits they are entitled to: “We know there are around 900 people across the district missing out on Pension Credit, which is the main gateway benefit to accessing the Winter Fuel Payment and other help like free dental treatment. Many also miss out on Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance and other help, often because they don’t know that they have to apply for it. So, we help raise awareness and encourage them to seek support to apply from Citizens Advice, Herts Help, Age UK Hertfordshire and other sources.
The trust has paid for 4,000 copies of the Silver Pages to be printed, which are available at the Healthy Hub within the Civic Centre, in local libraries, and from many local charities which support older people.
Kate revealed some of the other support they provide for older people: ‘The trust has been helping local residents, who are living on low incomes and are 60 or older, since 2000.
“Each year the trust gives around £200,000 in grants for items including kitchen appliances, carpets, mobility equipment, recliner chairs, furniture and household items. “It’s a simple application process, people just need to complete a short form (which we can help them do over the phone if they struggle to write) and show us proof of age and income. If it’s a simple request for a vital item such as a replacement cooker, washing machine or fridge-freezer, we will try and ensure the client receives the item requested within 10 days of applying. We use local trusted suppliers who we know will go the extra mile.
“We meet older residents who haven’t been able to afford to replace their washing machine for years, so have backache from washing their clothes in the bath.
“Clients struggling to see properly through glasses with an outdated prescription because they can’t afford a new pair.
“Clients who just sit on their worn armchair, because they are afraid of falling when they stand, as they don’t have the funds for a rise and recliner chair to help them stand safely.
“Clients whose world has shrunk because they can’t afford a walker or mobility scooter to get out to the local shops. We can, and do, help with all these types of problems faced by older people week in, week out.”
Local resident Dave Richardson is delighted with the Trust’s help: “I got in touch when my fridge freezer packed up, a few days later the Trust delivered a new one and took the old one away. They also gave me a reclining chair so I can put my feet up’.”
To get in touch with the trust to request a printed copy of the Silver Guide, or to apply for a grant, call 01727 260701 or 07541 659442.
You can also write to St Albans Old People’s Trust,c/o Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, AL3 5BU, visit in person at the council’s Healthy Hub on Wednesday mornings 10am-12.30pm, email grants.admin@staopt.org or visit the website at oldpeoplestrust.org.uk
