Information & Support
Our Information & Support service helps older people, people living with a diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia, and their unpaid carers access the information, services and practical support they need to maintain their independence and wellbeing.
We provide information, guidance and short-term practical assistance to help people understand their options, overcome barriers and access the right support. Where specialist expertise or longer-term support is required, we can help connect people with the most appropriate organisation or service.
How we can help
We can support with:
- Finding information about local services and support
- Accessing community groups, activities and opportunities to stay connected
- Benefits information and benefit entitlement checks
- Applications for schemes such as Dial-a-Ride, Taxicard, Freedom Pass and Blue Badge
- Accessing digital services and getting online
- Finding support for carers
- Referrals to services that improve wellbeing, independence and quality of life
- Accessing specialist support for housing, financial, health and wellbeing concerns
- Connecting with other Link Age Southwark services and Ageing Well Southwark partners
How we work
Our aim is to:
- Inform
- Empower
- Promote independence
We work alongside people to identify what support is available and help them take the next steps. Sometimes this may involve providing information and guidance.
In other situations, we may help complete an application, make a referral or liaise with another organisation on someone’s behalf. Where a situation requires specialist or ongoing support, we will help people access the service that is best placed to support them.
What to expect
Some enquiries can be resolved during a single conversation. Others may require additional appointments, practical assistance or liaison with other organisations.
Our support is designed to help people find, access and navigate the services they need. Where appropriate, we will provide information, practical support, referrals or a supported handover to specialist services.
What we do not provide
The Information & Support service is not:
- A social work service
- A counselling service
- A specialist welfare rights service
- A legal advice service
- A regulated financial advice service
- Able to make commercial or non-statutory business recommendations
If an issue falls outside our remit, we will do our best to identify the most appropriate organisation or specialist service that may be able to help.
Who can access the service?
As part of Ageing Well Southwark, we support:
- Southwark residents aged 60+
- People living with a mild to diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia
- Unpaid carers supporting older people or people living with dementia
How can I contact Information & Support?
If you would like to refer yourself or someone you know to this service, please email informationandsupport@linkagesouthwark.org or call the Link Age Southwark office on 020 8299 2623.