There are many Age Concern organisations in Wales, each offering a different programme of services to meet the needs of local people, alleviate social isolation and loneliness, maximise income and promote health and wellbeing to help older people live fulfilling and independent lives. Examples of the services offered include:

Befriending
Shopping
Practical Help
Transport
Help with filling in benefit forms
Advocacy
Drop in centres
Activities
Exercise classes

 

To find your local Age Concern, look in your local phone book, contact Age UK advice on 0800 169 65 65 or visit the Age Cymru website.

 

 

 

Care and Repair Agencies provide advice and assistance to enable older homeowners to remain in their own homes. They can help by bringing together the expertise and finance needed to carry out necessary repairs, improvements and adaptations to older people's homes. The work undertaken can range from small items, such as the repair of a dripping tap, the installation of handrails or new locks, to major jobs such as building a specially adapted bathroom or replacing a roof. They can also help find reputable local contractors and builders.

 

There is a Care and Repair Agency in every county in Wales. To find your nearest Care and Repair Agency, call 029 2057 6286 or visit Care and Repair.

 

 

 

WRVS helps older people get more out of life through a range of services at home, in hospitals and throughout the community. For example, WRVS volunteers may run community centres, lunch clubs, or help people in their homes. To find out what the WRVS offers in your area, call 029 2073 9000 or visit WRVS.

 

 

 

This is a free helpline that offers information on keeping warm, using energy efficiently, cheaper payment schemes and grants for insulating your home. They can help you check you are on the cheapest tariff for you. Click here to download their booklet 'The Little Book of Home Energy' - a useful guide to saving energy and reducing your bills.

 

Call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99, 9am - 8pm, Mon - Fri and 9am - 3pm Saturdays (minicom 0800 027 2122) or visit www.homeheathelpline.org .

 

Alternatively, contact your energy supplier to find out what further assistance you may be entitled to. If you are having problems with paying, it is best to let your energy supplier know as soon as possible.

 

 

 

The Trust's local advisors provide free, impartial advice on making your home more energy efficient. They can also tell you about grants for implementing energy efficiency measures that may be available in your local area.

 

Call 0800 512 012, 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri, to speak to an advisor, or visit Energy Saving Trust.

 

 

 

Consumer Direct is a government-funded service that offers clear, practical and impartial information and advice on consumer issues.

 

Call 08454 040506, 8am - 6:30pm, Mon - Fri and 9am - 1pm Saturdays, or visit Consumer Direct.

 

 

 

The RNIB provides information, support and advice for anyone with a serious sight problem, their relatives, friends and carers.

 

Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999, 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri, or visit RNIB.

 

 

 

The RNID provides information, support and advice for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing, their relatives, friends and carers.

 

Call the RNID information line on 0808 808 0123 (textphone 0808 808 9000) or visit RNID.