A COFFEE morning will be held at Droitwich’s Severn House on Friday (October 17) to raise awareness of pensioner poverty and show support for the campaign to end it.
The event, to highlight the issues and showcase what Age UK is doing locally to help people, takes place between 10.30am and midday.
Many older people miss out on vital benefits, including pension credit, housing benefit, attendance allowance and council tax support.
Age UK is urging politicians and decision makers to prioritise tackling pensioner poverty in Droitwich.
If all those eligible for pension credit claimed, it could boost their annual household budget by £1,700 – providing an extra £33-a-week for essentials, such as food, clothing, transport or heating.
Chief executive officer Jan Phillips said: “Last year we helped 180 older people in Droitwich Spa and district to claim over £590,000 in additional benefits.
“But it still shocks me when we find older people who have been struggling for years because they haven’t claimed the benefits to which they are entitled.”
She added the additional cash could dramatically transform the life of an older person, contribute to alleviating loneliness and isolation, which helped, in turn, improve an older person’s health and wellbeing and enabled them to live more independently.
Any older person worried about money can call Age UK Droitwich Spa on 01905 772126 between 9am and 1pm from Monday to Thursday. They should leave their name and number if lines are busy and staff will get back to them.
Alternatively, email [email protected] or visit Severn House, 32 Ombersley Street West, Droitwich Spa, from 9am to 1pm Monday to Thursday.
People can also call the national Age UK Advice line on 0800 169 65 65 for free information and advice or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/endpensionerpoverty.
