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 

Age Concern Hampshire Receives Funding from Abri Homes to Support Older Residents in Gosport and Alton 

Information Hub

Age Concern Hampshire is thrilled to announce new funding from Abri, which will enable the enhancement of the charity’s Information Services providing financial advice to older people in Gosport and Alton. This grant will allow Age Concern Hampshire to extend its reach, providing both virtual and in-person support to vulnerable older residents who are facing financial hardships. 

With the ongoing rise in the cost of living, many older residents are experiencing heightened financial pressure, often struggling to cover essential costs such as heating, food, and medical expenses. Age Concern Hampshire recognises the significant impact this has on overall wellbeing and is committed to providing support to individuals in need. 

Trained ACH Volunteers provide financial guidance and personalised assistance with benefit checks to ensure residents are receiving their entitled support, they assist with online applications such as Attendance Allowance and the Blue Badge scheme. Additionally, they can offer help with form filling and provide information on various topics to support older individuals, facilitating easier access to essential resources. 

“This funding allows us to enhance our essential support for older Abri residents in Alton and Gosport,” said Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services at Age Concern Hampshire. “We’re committed to providing vital assistance to those facing financial challenges, helping them to manage the cost of living and improve their quality of life.” 

Cita, Communtities and Involvement manager at Abri said: “We’re proud to partner with Age Concern Hampshire and use the Abri community fund to help support older customers in Gosport and Alton. With the cost of living rising, we know that some of our customers need extra help, and this partnership allows us to provide the financial advice and support that makes a real difference locally.”

Information Hub

The success of this service relies on a team of trained dedicated volunteers who play an invaluable role in supporting older residents in need. To help expand this important initiative, Age Concern Hampshire is actively recruiting new volunteers. This presents a rewarding opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact in their community, develop new skills, and connect with people who may be isolated or in financial difficulty. 

Volunteers will receive comprehensive training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to be part of a compassionate team making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable older people. For more information, please email supporters@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk. 

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