Council and Age UK join forces to help older people in Wem get what they’re entitled to

Shropshire Council and Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin have joined forces to create special benefits surgeries to help older people in Wem get what they are entitled to.

This initiative builds on the successful work in the town to support people to age well, by responding to and co-ordinating approaches to older people.

The drop-in surgeries will take place in Wem Town Hall on:

• Thursday 26 March 2015 from 9am until 1pm.
• Wednesday 8 April 2015 from 9am until 1pm.

Two members of staff from Age UK will be on hand to answer people’s questions and ensure that they are getting the benefits they need.

Councillor Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services – transformation and safeguarding, said:

“We’re really pleased that Age UK has agreed to host these and we look forward to working with them even more closely. We are sure that people will get all the information and support they need, enabling them to remain independent for as long as possible.”

Robert Smith, Age UK, Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s information and advice manager, said:

“We are pleased to be working with the council to support older people in Wem.

“From April 2014 we have helped to put £1,349,152 into the pockets of older people across Shropshire and we hope that our presence in Wem will yield more positive results in the community.”

Chris Mellings, Shropshire Councillor for Wem, added:

“This is welcome news to help local people. The whole system is sometimes very complex and off-putting for people. This service will help them cut through all that and ensure support and advice is received where it is needed. Our thanks go to Age UK for providing this valuable support to residents across our community.”

Pauline Dee, Shropshire Councillor for Wem, added:

“I am very pleased that our local older residents will be able to access these benefit surgeries and am sure they will be well attended. Thanks to Age UK who do a great job in getting important information to the public.”

The age well approach was developed as part of local commissioning work in Wem. Local commissioning involves partners – including Shropshire Council, town councils, parish councils, the police, fire service, health and voluntary organisations – working more closely together and with people across each community. With local leaders at the heart of the work, it aims to get the most out of the expertise, funds and resources in each community, and make sure services are right for their needs.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is a local charity that relies on local and voluntary support including donations, legacies and volunteering.