Golden Guide Returns to Stockton – brand new edition 2011

Once again, the hugely popular Golden Guide is ready for collection after a mammoth fund-raising campaign.  This FREE local handbook for over 50s in Stockton has always been in great demand, but recent cutbacks and funding shortages left this year’s edition hanging in the balance.
But Stockton Borough Council – long term partners of the Golden Guide – stepped in to help with printing and distribution to make sure the long-planned, expanded edition could go ahead.

Editor Heather Alabaster says “It’s always a challenging task to get the guide funded, but it’s been very tough for everyone this time. We truly thought we may not reach our goal, but with magnificent support from Stockton Borough Council, and NHS North Tees, along with other generous sponsors, we are delighted to be delivering five thousand copies around the region once again.”

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services & Health, adds    “The Golden Guide is so well known – it fits right in with our own commitment to good local information. So we wanted to give some practical help to make sure it went ahead.”

The new Golden Guide is bang up to date with colourful fresh design.  It has been thoroughly revised and updated and is packed out with facts and tips on money, health and care, lots of leisure and transport information and all with local contacts.

Ruth Hill, Assistant Director of Health Improvement, NHS North Tees says “We’re very pleased the Golden Guide will be out again this year – it’s important that people can easily get to know about big changes in health and social care and find out exactly who to ask and how to access local services – as usual, it’s all in there.”

A long time Golden Guide supporter Trevor Redfern of CSV/RSVP adds “Our Volunteers’ Programme runs so many activities for over 50s and does it with the help of over 50s – the Golden Guide is invaluable to all of us – we love it!”

The Golden Guide is being launched at the Over 50s Assembly on Monday 13th June at Stockton Baptist Tabernacle, and in the meantime copies are being distributed by
Libraries across the Borough, Social Care Managers, Stockton Advice & Information Service, CSV/RSVP, Pension Service, George Hardwick Foundation, Independent Living Centre, and other selected outlets.

A full copy will also be available on the website at www.stockton.gov.uk/goldenguide

For all enquiries please contact Heather Alabaster, 0191-386 5918, or email heather@alabasterpublishing.co.uk