Maidenhead & Windsor

Older residents in Maidenhead can now get more information about the benefits available to them thanks to a new scheme launched by the council and Age Concern Slough and Berkshire East (ACSABE).

A member of staff from Age Concern is available every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon at Maidenhead Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, to give advice and information on welfare benefits and issues affecting older people. This new service follows the success of similar information and advice sessions launched in Windsor a couple of years ago*.

Benefits totalling £4billion are unclaimed in the UK every year and this new information service will ensure Royal Borough residents are aware of the benefits they can claim, such as attendance allowance, disability living allowance, carers' allowance and winter fuel payments. Advice is also available on housing and council tax benefits and pension credit.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "We are delighted to team up with Age Concern to offer this service to our residents and we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of the advice and expertise available."

Tracey Morgan, chief executive of ACSABE, said: "A high proportion of the population in Maidenhead are older people and many of these live alone, so there is a huge need for specialised information and advice on a range of issues associated with growing older.

"With our ten years' experience of running dedicated information and advice services and thanks to the fantastic support of the Royal Borough, I am delighted that ACSABE will now be able to deliver this crucial service for the benefit of older residents, to improve quality of life through increased knowledge and benefit take-up."

The service is provided in confidence and is free. Anyone over the age of 50 or any resident who has a concern for an older family member or friend can drop in at the Town Hall during the information session or arrange a confidential meeting with Age Concern on 01753 822890.

For further information about the service in Windsor, contact Age Concern Slough and Berkshire East at 1 William Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1XX, or call 01753 822890.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead