Golden Money Guide Launched in style

Jul 7, 2009   //   News

A new guide to Money for older people in Stockton was launched on Monday at Stockton Baptist Tabernacle by Ross Hume, Financial Inclusion Champion for the North East.

Produced as a partnership between Clever Clogs Publishing, Age Concern Teesside and the Department of Health NE, with some grant funding from Stockton Primary Care Trust’s Fighting Fit Finance project, the guide is a response to the problems older people are suffering as a result of the recession.

The free guide contains a wealth of money-saving tips and techniques including how to maximise your income, protection for your savings, and debt advice, as well as information on common problems such as changing your energy supplier, what to look for when taking out insurance and even what to do after a bereavement. And all with local contacts who can give advice or practical help.

Debbie Smith from the Department of Health North East says, “Since the recession began to bite –older people are some of those who have been bitten hardest, and there are many people who don’t know where to turn or who to ask for help. It can cause anxiety and stress and affect people’s health generally – so we are delighted to have worked with Clever Clogs and the Golden Guide team to produce a means of restoring confidence and wellbeing to older residents in the Borough.”

In his launch speech Ross Hume noted that “there is such a wealth of useful information in the guide that it will be invaluable for residents of all ages, I am actively promoting it across the region and I hope to see it go from strength to strength”

Heather Alabaster, Editor replied “We tried to ensure that Stockton residents would know who to ask if things went wrong and how to contact local agencies who can help. If people can understand the issues a bit better then it goes a long way to easing the strain and if they can’t get to see a money adviser face to face then this guide is the next best thing.

The Golden Guide to Money for Older People is now being distributed – throughout Stockton, and early feedback is sounding excellent.

Carol Tinkler, Adult Services Team Leader North says “Many thanks for the boxes the team are extremely impressed with the information”.

Linda Stephenson of Welfare Benefits said “I’m really impressed. It’s very thorough, and I’m sure it will be really useful… (We must) make sure we get our box! I’ve promised mum in law the first copy!”

Joanna McWilliams of Local Pensions Service said “Got the guide today – very impressive – could we have some more please”

Golden Guide to Money for Older People is available from:

  • Library Branches
  • Age Concern
  • Social Care Teams
  • Welfare Benefits Service
  • Local Pensions Service
  • Stockton Advice & Information
  • George Hardwick Foundation
  • Christians Against Poverty
  • Five Lamps Organisation
  • Tees Credit Union
  • Tristar Homes Money Advisers
  • SBC Taxation Service
  • SBC Housing Options Team
  • Stockton Renaissance

There are also copies for Health Workers at Newtown Community Resource Centre, contact Elizabeth Benomran or Sandra Wesson.

Enquiries to Heather Alabaster, Editor, Clever Clogs Publishing, 0191 386 5918.

Clever Clogs Press 7 July 2009