The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Helpline for older people

03/06/2004

The first dedicated helpline for Scotland's older people was launched today.

The Scottish Helpline for Older People, supported by a £125,000 grant from the Executive, is intended to improve the quality and quantity of information and advice, and help make sure that more and more pensioners get the income and benefits they are entitled to.

At the headquarters of the Scottish Pensions Association in Edinburgh Public Services Minister Andy Kerr said:

"I am delighted to launch this helpline today which will make a real difference to the lives of older people across the country.

"As government develops more and more services for older people the need for clear, impartial information from a trusted source increases. We also know that many people, particularly the elderly, prefer using the telephone to access information.

"This service will therefore be invaluable as it will help remove one of the main barriers older people face in getting information and advice, and which will help people get the services they need."

The Helpline will be managed by Age Concern Scotland on behalf of a consortium of organisations, including Citizens Advice Scotland, Communities Scotland, COSLA, Help the Aged, Alzheimer's Scotland Action on Dementia, the Pension Service, Scottish Pensions Association and the Scottish Pensioners' Forum.

Mr Kerr added:

"The Executive is committed to improving public service delivery for all Scottish citizens. This helpline is part of a large range of modernising initiatives we have introduced which aim to improve the delivery of public services and improve the lives of the people of Scotland."

Maureen O'Neil, Director of Age Concern, said:

"This much welcomed Scottish Executive grant will help with setting up this information service and will provide a lifeline to many older people throughout the country. We are expecting 10,000 calls in the first year and will be dealing with issues regarding benefits, housing, health and community care, age discrimination and pensions to name a few."

The Executive is supporting older people through a wide range of measures, such as the central heating programme, free personal and nursing care, free off-peak bus travel, which have had a tremendous impact on the lives of older people.

The helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, the number is 0845 1259732 (local rates).