Services Include:

• Specialist Support Services - including grants and advice service, and debt counselling

• Information and Resources

• Volunteer Schemes

• Insurance and Trading Products - Regulated under FSA

• Renew You

• Birmingham Carers Centre

• Pension Education Fund

• Tradesperson and Handyman Directory

• Befriending Schemes

• Area Offices – including Carers’ Groups

• Day Centres

• Luncheon Clubs

The Advice & Information Department offers a wide range of advice, information and support on financial matters:

• Welfare benefits such as Income Support, Pension Credit, Social Fund, Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and NHS costs.

• Applications forms for all of the above benefits can be obtained at our office at The Place 2b, 198 Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6QB.

Assistance is also provided with:

• Applying for Retirement Pension, information is given on qualifying National Insurance contributions and verification of official documents required to process the application.

• Reviews and appeal procedures for Welfare Benefits.

• Council Tax and Housing Benefit payments.

• Debt Counselling, liaison with Bailiffs, advice on County Court procedures and individual support.

• Fuel bills and other household bills including assistance with debt or arrears problems.

• Grants from local, national, occupational, general, illness, disability, service and ex service, religious, Charitable  Trusts to individuals to help with expenses such as replacing  ‘White Goods’ e.g. cookers, fridges, minor home repairs, medical costs, clothing and utility debts.

• Private occupational pension queries signposting service provided to appropriate advice and support agencies.

We can also help with advice on a range of needs and enquiries:

• Age Concern fact sheets and help with where to find a variety of information.

• Counselling and Support for Carers

• Information on Day Centres and Lunch Clubs

• Support for people in cases of abuse of older people

• Assistance with housing issues and repairs

• Advice on suitable holidays for older and disabled people

• Age Concern fact sheets and help with where to find a variety of information:

Also available from 198 Corporation Street a list of:

• Sheltered Housing Associations
• Residential and Nursing Homes
• Private domestic and Nursing organisations
• Companies that provide wheelchair hire.

Campaigning

The new Your Rights 2008/09 campaign was launched on Wednesday 9th April 2008 – but this time with a brand new name, More Money in Your Pocket.  This campaign focuses on making the elderly aware of the benefits they are entitled to and as a result getting more money in their pockets!
The campaign is bustling with a year-long calendar of activity, with a focus on a new benefit or set of benefits every two months.

Advice on Home Energy

Social Care and Health

Advice and support is provided on assessment procedures for domiciliary, residential and nursing care homes.  Support is provided with disputes and appeals in relation to assessments.  Advice given on the assistance available from Social Services and how to obtain it.

Residential and Nursing Home Charging Procedures

We provide information on the financial help which may be available from the local authority for older people needing care in a care home.

Age Concern Birmingham has expanded its services and has now become an alternative office for the Pension Service

We are now able to verify official documents e.g marriage certificates, birth certificates and process benefit applications in a  quick and efficient manner.

Legal Advice Surgery and Will Writing Service

We provide a Will Writing Service and 30 minutes free legal advice as requested by clients.  Appointments are made from 10am onwards every Wednesday at our office at 198 Corporation Street, Birmingham.

The Advice and Information Department

Is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.  We operate an ‘open door’ policy but appointments can be arranged within these times.  For further information please contact:

Sharon McCabe - Senior Advice and Information Officer
The Place 2B, 198 Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6QB
T: 0121 236 2197
E: s.mccabe@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk

Sarnjit Uppal - Advice and Information Officer
Address and contact no. as above.
E: s.uppal@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk
[Urdu and Punjabi spoken]

Vicky Jones - Advice and Information Officer
Address & contact no. as above.

Administration

Age Concern Birmingham has offices within the city centre and throughout the city and volunteers are needed for general office duties such as reception, answering the telephone, typing, using word-processors and general administration duties.

Fund-Raising & Special Events

Volunteers are also needed to help Age Concern Birmingham raise extra funds & awareness through fetes, flag days, car boot sales, etc with the emphasis being on having fun as well!   People with ideas and enthusiasm are always welcome.

Home Visiting Service

Volunteers are needed to provide emotional support to older people in their homes by visiting them, providing someone to talk to and developing a mutual trust and friendship.

Befriending Services

These are services to tackle loneliness and isolation amongst the elderly community.  The services give older people confidence to access community and mainstream activities and to improve independence and quality of life.  These services include telephone befriending and lunch clubs which increase older people’s confidence through group activities and outings.  We also have a community connections befriending service which enables isolated older people who have low confidence to access community and faith groups with the assistance and support of volunteers.

Day Centres & Lunch Clubs

Age Concern Birmingham runs Day Centres and Lunch Clubs throughout the city and help is needed with caring for the older people brought into the centres, talking to them, serving meals and helping with activities.

Drivers

Drivers are always needed to transport older people to and from our services, to attend appointments and help with the weekly shop.

Renew You

• Motor - Direct Tel. No. 0845 7125816, charged at local rates. Wide ranging cover at competitive premiums.  Includes courtesy car, uninsured loss recovery and legal expenses.  First class claims services etc.

• Motor Break-down Service - Roadside assistance, Doorstep Service, Vehicle Recovery at
  competitive rates.

• Home & Contents - Very competitive rates; minimum sum for contents (£7,500); policies able to meet specific needs.

• Caravan (Static & Touring) - Cover available with Contents Insurance.

• Travel - Holiday insurance at competitive premiums for UK, European and World-wide holidays for all ages; Annual Multi-trip Insurance available.

All these services are regulated by the Financial Services
Authority [FSA].

Financial Services:

• Equity Release Scheme for homeowners over 60. Using your home to improve your finances.  This service is regulated by The Financial Services Authority [FSA].

Other Services:

• Age Concern Funeral Plan

Excellent value for money – three plans available to suit budget and personal preferences.

Age Concern Guranteed Funeral Plan (over 65)
This plan includes the payment of cremation fees, Minister/ Officiant fees and Doctor's fees.

• Age Concern Aid Call

Aid Call is an emergency response system.  The Aid Call button is light and can be worn either as a pendant, clip or wrist straps and works from all over the house or garden.  When the button is pressed a signal is sent, via your telephone line, to our emergency response centre.

• Age Concern Charity Flowers

Charity Flowers direct is the UK’s only Flowers by Post service to be wholly owned by a major national charity (Age Concern).   A special way of giving to family, friends and Charities.
(Telephone orders: 08705 300 600 quoting Charity source code: CT4)M

• Age Concern Energy Services

Age Concern are working with Powergen, one of the biggest suppliers of gas and electricity in the UK.   We believe older people will be better off by switching to this new and unique service.
(Telephone for your own personal quotation on 0121 236 2197)

Introduction

Renew You is a new project utilising and exploring the benefits of exercise, dance, drama, art and music to enhance the lives of older adults.   The project brings together local, professional freelance artistes and performers who work with the older adults and those with mental ill health and mobility difficulties.   Some of the activities provided include: Tai Chi, Reminiscence, Art sessions, Drama, Music, Belly Dancing, Extend Exercise, Sing a Longs, Reiki, Aromatherapy, Massage, Bollywood dancing, talks from external organisations and various trips to places of interest.

Introduction

Birmingham Carers Centre provides support, information and advice to people who care for friends and family with disabilities.

Support Workers based at the Centre provide support to Carers on all issues related to their caring role.  Enquiries range from social services, equipment, finance, care homes, holidays and leisure, to home care and many more.  Support Workers can provide Carers with fact sheets listing specialist organisations, advice and when necessary Carers are signposted to specialist organisations.  A listening ear to any Carer who needs to offload is also available.
Carers can contact the service by:

• Calling the Carers Helpline on: 0121 675 8000

• By dropping into the Centre, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm
  Birmingham Carers Centre, 130 Colmore Row,
  Birmingham , B3 3AP

• By email: help@birminghamcarers.org.uk

• By letter: FREEPOST RRBG-YCJE-KZUY,
  Birmingham Carers Centre, 130 Colmore Row , B3 3AP

• or by attending one of the Centres special events.

Introduction

In April 2006, Age Concern Birmingham started a new educational awareness scheme for  employers, employees and the self-employed across Birmingham regarding pensions, savings and investments.  This involves raising awareness amongst individuals on the importance of retirement planning and providing information to educate and support people to address their future financial needs.

Advantages:

• FREE workshop presentations onsite regarding information on pensions, savings and investments for retirement planning;
• FREE one-to-one information sessions;
• Information tailored to the needs of the individual;
• Assistance in identifying retirement needs and options available for the individual to meet those needs;
• Support with financial literacy in retirement planning;
• Access to our Pensions & Savings Information Officers, face to face or over the phone;
• Signposting individuals onto relevant organisations and further information and advice provision;
• Appoint a Champion for your organisation, who will be your first point of reference for any retirement planning questions’.

Introduction

The Tradesperson & Handyman Directory is a database of reputable and reliable trades-people who can undertake minor home adaptations and repairs to ensure an older person is living within a safe and secure home environment, enabling them to maintain their independence.   A list of contact names and numbers is sent to all customers who can then make contact with the trades-people in confidence. The trades covered are numerous, covering everything from the chimney pot to the cellar.

Telephone befriending services

The schemes are currently based in Boldmere and provide a contact for lonely or isolated older people by telephoning them on a weekly basis for a chat.  This service is largely manned by volunteers.

Volunteer Visiting

• Information & Advice
  
  Full information service on any matter affecting older people.  Referrals can be taken by a telephone call to an
  office or by post.

• Insurance Products (Regulated under FSA)

• Pension Service
  
  The office is an alternative office for the pension service and can verify official documents e.g. marriage certificates, birth certificates and process benefit applications in a quick and efficient manner.

• Hodge Hill Carers Group
  
  The group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 11.30am to 1.00pm at Brockhurst Road Sheltered Housing Complex (near the Fox & Goose Shopping Centre).  Representatives from Age Concern and Bromford Neighbourhood Office attend and are on hand to give advice and information. 
  
  Occasional guest speakers are invited and social events are organised at the request of carers, such as day trips, lunches, quiz nights and a Christmas party.

• Sheldon Carers Group
  
  The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 1.00pm to 3.00pm at Barrows Lane Sheltered Housing Complex, Sheldon.
  
  Occasional guest speakers are invited and social events are organised at the request of carers, such as day trips and bingo.

• Carers Drop-In Advice Surgery
  
  The surgery takes place on the last Tuesday of each month from 1.00pm – 2.00pm at The Hart Centre, Heathway Shopping Centre, Shard End.
  
  This is a facility for older people and their carers to call in for advice, support and information.

• Shard End Drop-In Centre
  
  The Shard End Drop-in Centre has been running since 1987 and caters for members over fifty years of age.
  
  The Drop-in is open each Monday between 10.00am and 12.00 noon at the Residents Hall, Moorfield Road, Shard End and is able to accommodate wheelchairs.
  
  The Centre provides information and advice as well as many other services, including a weekly bring & buy table and raffle and the occasional talk or outing.  Refreshments are available.

• Satellite Office [Open from Tuesday 6th May 08]
  
  A satellite office is now open at Bromford Sports and Community Centre, Cameronian Croft, Birmingham B36 8UB and operates each Tuesday from 9.30am-12.30pm.
  
  Older people  can call into this office between the above times for advice & information, trading, welfare benefits information and help with the completion of forms.  In addition there will be a drop-in coffee bar open to allow older people and their carers to have a coffee, pick up information and to socialise.
  
  The City Council’s Mobile Library Service will be available every other Tuesday. The local police, fire brigade and local councillors will be attending whenever possible.

• Information & Advice
  
  Full information service on any matter affecting older people.  Referrals can be taken by a telephone call to an
  office or by post.

• Insurance Products (Regulated under FSA)

• Pension Service
  
  The north area office is an alternative office for the pension service and can verify official documents e.g. marriage certificates, birth certificates and process benefit applications in a quick and efficient manner.

• Sutton Coldfield & Erdington Telephone Befriending
  
  Kerrie Griffin is the Telephone Befriending Coordinator for      the Sutton Coldfield and Erdington Area.  A team of volunteers make regular calls to older people and this helps relieve isolation and identifies any further needs of the service users.

• Information & Advice
  
  Full information service on any matter affecting older people.  Referrals can be taken by a telephone call to an
  office or by post.

• Insurance Products (Regulated under FSA)

• Pension Service
  
  The south area office is an alternative office for the pension service and can verify official documents e.g. marriage certificates, birth certificates and process benefit applications in a quick and efficient manner.

• Maypole Carers Group
  
  The group meets monthly at Druids Heath Library. A representative from Age Concern attends the meeting. 
  Occasional guest speakers are invited and social events are organised at the request of carers, such as day trips, lunches, quiz nights and Christmas parties.
  

• Outreach Surgery
  
  Surgeries are held monthly at West Heath Hospital,      offering general advice and information to older people.

• Befriending Luncheon Club
  
  Held every Tuesday at Brookmeadow Court, Paradise lane, Hall Green.

Village Court Day Centre
55 Lea Village
Kitts Green
Birmingham
B33 9SG

Contact:  Vicki Burns,  Day Services Manager
Tel: 0121 789 9706

The Day Centre in Village Court cares for around twenty frail elderly adults, with varying levels of dementia.  The Centre is open between 10.00am and 3.00pm on Mondays and Thursdays.  Transport and a meal are provided at a small cost for those attending, as are recreational activities and occasional outings.

The Heathway Day Centre
70 Reddicap Heath Road
Sutton Coldfield
B75 7BW

Contact: Ena  McPherson, Day Services Manager
Tel: 0121 311 2921 or Mobile 07884 152895

The Day Centre provides care for up to twenty older people with a mental health illness and opens from Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm.  A main meal and transport is provided at a small cost and therapeutic activities are designed to meet individual needs.

The Hurstway Day Centre
136 Hurstway, New Oscott,
Sutton Coldfield,
B23 5KN

Contact: Sharron Owen, Day Services Manager
Tel: 0121 386 4210 

Open Tuesday and Friday 09.30 am - 3.00 pm. Caring for around twenty elderly frail people. Offering a wide range of activities in a warm friendly atmosphere.  Transport and a meal are provided at a small cost.

Phoenix Court
Yatesbury Avenue
Castle Vale
Birmingham
B35 6QG

Contact: Joy Flash, Day Services Manager
Tel: 0121 776 7855 or  Mobile 07884 111755

This Day Centre is situated in Castle Vale housing estate, the centre provides social support and stimulation to older adults living on the estate and from the surrounding area.

Open each weekday from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm each day.

Wellington Court Day Centre
Brook Lane, Off Tennal Road, Harborne, B32 2DP
Contact: Bill Dennis, Day Services Manager
T: 0121 426 5146    M:07795 625 820

Wellington Court provides care for people with dementia over sixty years of age from the Edgbaston, Quinton and Harborne areas.  The centre is open from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on Tuesday – Friday.

Activities are designed to suit individual needs and include reminiscence groups, keep fit, handicrafts, games relaxation, therapy, music and art sessions and outings. A small charge is made for tea/coffee and toast on arrival, a main meal and transport.

Brookmeadow Court Day Centre
Paradise Lane
Hall Green
Birmingham
B28 0DT

Contact: Kress Chamroo, Day Services Manager
Tel: 0121 777 5068 or Mobile: 07979 692 960

Lunch facilities can cater for up to 24 older people and provide a two course lunch.  It gives older people more opportunity to interact with others of the same age group and improves their social interaction.  The lunch facilities are open from 12.30pm – 3.00pm approx.

Age Concern Birmingham is currently running the following lunch facilities:

Brookmeadow Court
Paradise Lane
Hall Green
Birmingham
B28 0DT
Open: Monday – Friday
Contact: Patricia Wyatt
0121 777 5068

Wellington Court
Brook Lane
Tennal Road
Harborne
B32 2DP
Open: Monday – Wednesday
Contact: Kath Bernard
0121 426 5146

The Laurels
Grange Lane
Mere Green
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands
B75 5JX
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
Contact: Ann Horsfall
0121 308 3422

Radley Court
365 Sheldon Heath Road
Sheldon
Birmingham
B26 2UB
Open: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Contact: Leila Mills
Tel: 0121 742 8119