Unlocking Essential Support for Hampshire’s Older Population  

Age Concern Hampshire Information Service

Many older people miss out on financial benefits and practical support due to confusing application processes. Age Concern Hampshire addresses this through its Information Service, which provides personalised form-filling assistance and checks for financial entitlements, as well as support with schemes such as Blue Badges, for older people across Hampshire. 

Supported by a team of dedicated and highly trained volunteers, the service helps with completing forms for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Pension Credit, and Blue Badges either over the phone or in the comfort of a person’s home. 

National statistics highlight the scale of the issue: in 2023, approximately 1.8 million people in Great Britain received Attendance Allowance, yet 140,000 eligible individuals did not claim it. Similarly, as of March 2024, 2.93 million people in England were entitled to a Blue Badge without further assessment, but only 2.84 million valid badges were held, indicating that many eligible individuals are not applying for this essential support. Services like Age Concern Hampshire’s Information Service help bridge these gaps by guiding older residents through the complex application process.

Age Concern Hampshire Information Service

“Filling in forms can be overwhelming and many older people do not claim what they are entitled to,” said Yvonne Hiscock, Information Services Senior Co-ordinator at Age Concern Hampshire. “Our Volunteers provide tailored assistance, ensuring individuals receive the guidance most relevant to their needs.” 

Beyond form-filling support, Age Concern Hampshire’s Information Service provides support and signposting on important topics such as home services, digital inclusion, foot care, and specialist support. 

With the cost of living rising, this service has become more essential than ever. For older people and their families it is a lifeline, helping them access benefits and services that improve independence, wellbeing, and quality of life. 

How to Access Support 
Phone: 01962 868545 
Email: enquiries@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk 
Website: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/information-service/ 

Editor’s Notes: 

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at their Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Foot Care clinics, Help at Home, Information via their Information Hub, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities. Its mission is to help people ‘Age well and Live well’. 

Age Concern Hampshire 
Centre Way 
Locks Heath 
Southampton 
SO31 6DX 

Tel: 01962 868545 

For media enquiries, please email Sarah Jacobs, Marketing Manager at Age Concern Hampshire: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk 

SSAFA Hampshire Supports Age Concern Hampshire to Assist Older People Across the Region

Fundraising Support

Age Concern Hampshire is excited to announce a partnership with Hampshire Branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, which will enhance the charity’s ability to provide essential services to older people across Hampshire. SSAFA is The Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need.

This support, along with the support from other partnerships, will directly fund a variety of essential services and activities, enabling Age Concern Hampshire to expand its reach and assist more older people in need. By offering vital resources, care, and companionship, the charity will help individuals maintain their independence and enhance their wellbeing.

Support from local charity partners is invaluable, with their combined contributions making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals within the community. Each donation plays a critical role in strengthening communities and ensuring that no one is left isolated or without the support they need. Together, these partnerships help create a more inclusive and caring environment for older people across Hampshire.

Fundraising Support

“SSAFA Hampshire’s support comes at a critical time as we face an ever-growing demand for services for older people in Hampshire,” said Grant Read, CEO of Age Concern Hampshire. “With this support, we can ensure that our services reach even more individuals who are at risk of isolation and vulnerability. We are grateful for SSAFA Hampshire’s partnership, which will make a real difference to the lives of many older residents across the county.”

Age Concern Hampshire invites other charity and corporate organisations to contribute and support the charity’s vital work. Through partnership, businesses can contribute to providing essential services, resources, and companionship to older people in need. For more information, please visit https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/volunteer-hampshire/become-a-corporate-supporter/ or call 01962 868545.

Note to Editors:

Age Concern Hampshire
Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at their Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Help at Home, Information via their Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities. 

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

SSAFA

Founded in 1885, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans, and their families in their time of need. Nationally, in 2022 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 59,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families. Since 1885 we have provided welfare and wellbeing assistance that is tailored to our Armed Forces community. We know about the unique demands of service life, whether in the UK or overseas, and we continue to meet the demand for support to enable the entire Armed Forces family to thrive. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.

More information can be found at Hampshire | SSAFA

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