Information & advice is essential to enable people to make decisions and access any help they might need. People tell us it's easier for them if they can come in & have a chat with someone, get help filling in a form, ask someone to make a phone call for them if a matter is complex. (We also provide information via the phone & home visits for people who are housebound.) Often people don't know where to turn or where to start. The very complex benefits & pensions sytems can be confusing.

We will provide a one stop shop for older people on Gateshead High Street which is friendly & welcoming. Our Information Centre (staffed by a worker supported by a small team of volunteers) provides direct help & support with queries (& signposts elsewhere if we can't help). We do benefit checks, fill in forms for people, problem solve, liaise with the Council/utility providers etc on people's behalf, provide information on a wide variety of topics.