Older people to benefit from countywide housing advice

A free independent advice service helping older people to decide how and where they want to live in the future will soon be available countywide.

The Derbyshire Housing Options Service has been successfully piloted in Derbyshire Dales and is now being rolled out to the rest of the county.

The pilot scheme was supported and funded in part by Derbyshire County Council, and run by Age Concern Derby and Derbyshire.

The county council has now agreed to funds from the Derbyshire Supporting People Partnership to expand the scheme countywide, again working with Age Concern Derby and Derbyshire, in partnership with district and borough councils.

Services are now up and running in all areas of Derbyshire apart from South Derbyshire, which will see its service start at the beginning of June.

The Derbyshire Housing Options Service was set up to offer independent advice and support to older people on a wide range of housing issues.

The service covers all aspects of housing for older people including:

• free, independent one-to-one support to identify problems with current accommodation
• information, advice, emotional support and practical help
• welfare benefit checks and advocacy support

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Charles Jones said: "Housing issues and the choices available can often be quite daunting as people get older.

"It is important that there is help and advice out there to guide older people through what can be a complex situation.

"Housing affects every aspect of a person's life, from physical and mental health to mobility, independence and financial stability so it's crucial that the right decisions are made."

Angela Parnell, Housing Options service manager for Age Concern Derby and Derbyshire said: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to provide this service in every district of Derbyshire and develop stronger links with other key partners.

"Our established service in the Derbyshire Dales is highly valued and respected by our clients and 76 per cent of people tell us `they feel someone is on their side' in making sometimes difficult and challenging decisions about the future."

To contact the Derbyshire Housing Options Service county council contact centre Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058.

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