Elderly cost-of-living crisis support hubs open

The two-hour sessions will run once a month

A charity has opened a new information hub to give support and advice to elderly people struggling with finances and isolation.

Age UK Gloucestershire has opened an information centre in Cinderford to help combat a rise in demand for help during the cost-of-living crisis.

Support will be offered with things such as access to benefits, Blue Badge forms, digital skills and a warm space to socialise.

Mandy Nelson from the charity said the team has already seen a "huge increase" in people calling worried about changes to the winter fuel allowance.

"We felt that the Forest of Dean was an area which was underserved in terms of support from Age UK Gloucestershire," she said.

"I don't think we can just rely on people reaching out to us when they have a need, it's really important we're proactive and take the service out into the community where it's needed. It breaks down barriers."

'Options for support'

She added: "We all know that the cost of living has gone up.

"We're trying to help older people realise their benefit entitlements and look for other options for support, to help them afford the increasing costs."

The Age UK information Hub, at Ow Bist Forest Community Space, will be open from 11:00-13:00 BST on 3 October, 7 November and 5 December.