Age UK Norfolk has a long history of supporting older people in Norfolk. The charity’s flagship service, the Information and Advice Helpline, has been instrumental in providing support and guidance to thousands of older people each year, and in recent months has seen a marked increase of older people contacting it with concerns about making ends meet.
Claire Pitt, Age UK Norfolk’s welfare benefit lead, has been working with the charity’s benefit team since 2015 and explained that the charity provides help and support with a wide range of benefits – from disability benefits such as attendance allowance, personal independence payment and disability living allowance, to means-tested benefits such as pension credit, housing benefit and council tax support.
“The cost-of-living crisis has seen many of our clients facing even tougher choices, and for many it is the decision to heat the home or buy food,” said Claire. “Age UK Norfolk wants to be able to support our clients to change this.”
Last year, Claire and her team (which includes several volunteers who have worked with the charity for a number of years) played a huge role in assisting Age UK Norfolk clients to successfully claim benefits they were entitled to.
They provided 950 benefit appointments, resulting in the identification and securing of £4.4 million in benefit take-up for older people in Norfolk.
“My role is very rewarding, the difference the extra money makes to our clients is significant and this enables them to get the extra help and support that they need which they otherwise would be unable to afford,” said Claire.
Age UK Norfolk is currently recruiting for a welfare benefits adviser, working 25 hours per week, and would also welcome volunteers.
If you are looking for a rewarding role with a local charity and you like helping others and working as part of a team, then please get in touch.
To organise a free welfare benefit check, contact Age UK Norfolk’s Information and Advice Helpline, open Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm, on 0300 500 1217, or at advice@ageuknorfolk.org.uk
For more information about joining the Age UK Norfolk Team, visit the website at ageuk.org.uk/norfolk/about-us/work-for-us
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