Local charity has officially launched The Bradbury Centre, a dedicated Information, Advice and Carers hub in the least of Leicester city centre.
Leicester’s new vintal info hub, which is located on Humberstone Gate, is for older people in the local community to access vital information, advice and support. The Bradbury Centre will offer support on matters including care and housing, benefit check entitlements, carers rights and support.
During this unprecedented time with pressure on household finances, the centre will be able to see around 200 people a day in need of help through the latest crisis affecting older people. Pensioners are already feeling the pinch and the latest research from Age UK shows that ‘2.8million older people will still be living in fuel poverty this winter despite the winter fuel cap, leaving millions in need of support to face the costs of daily living‘.
In the last year alone around 3,000 people used the Information Hub for support. This included access to a telephone, face to face or online support and the charity expects to see an increase in demand this winter due to the cost-of-living crisis. It has been reported that around ‘2.4 billion pounds of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit is unclaimed every year‘. This is money which could help support more people who are struggling to pay their bills. The charity answers over 14,5000 enquiries, many of which are related to benefit entitlement checks, resulting in 2 million pounds in successful benefit claims for older people.
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland promotes the wellbeing of older people by helping to make later life fulfilling and enjoyable. A local, independent charity committed to maintaining the dignity, privacy and independence of older people by providing a range of relevant services, which meet the needs and wishes of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland residents. Funds raised across Leicester City, Leicestershire and Rutland are applied to help deliver services to support people over the age of 50.
For more information, please visit www.ageukleics.org.uk
