Northumberland’s Going For Gold As Demand For Guide Outstrips Supply

Within 4 months, almost 5000 copies of the newly published Golden Guide for Older People have been snapped up by older residents in Northumberland. The new guide – produced by community information specialists Clever Clogs Publishing in partnership with Age Concern Northumberland came out in October last year. By January there were so few left that Age Concern has since had to ration them until funds can be raised for a reprint.

Editor Heather Alabaster says “We always believed they would be popular, but from the first day we could see instantly that this was a smash hit – the phone just didn’t stop ringing with requests – not just from older people themselves, but from their friends, relatives, carers and many of the practitioners who work on their behalf”

Campaigns Manager Marie McWilliams of Age Concern Northumberland adds “We are delighted that we have obviously found a way to fulfill a real need for information for older people. This guide is absolutely hitting the spot – we have collected together facts and tips on money, health, care and your home, which will help people find out who can help them locally and how to get in touch. The section on leisure activities alone can enhance an older person’s quality of life immeasurably – there is no question that we must find funding to produce more.”

The guide has the full support of all four of Northumberland’s MPs and funding is urgently being sought through sponsorship, donations and grants. Age Concern Northumberland have posted a full copy of the guide on their website at www.ageconcernnorthumberland.org.uk but whilst this helps, they are aware that the printed guidebook is by far the most accessible for older people. Typical feedback came from one local resident who said “as you get older you need a bit of help finding out about things” and this guide is “the raft we all need” particularly in rural communities.

Copies have been distributed by Age Concern Northumberland, health staff, care managers, community centres, Citizens’ Advice and libraries. It is hoped that funding can be found to produce a second edition in June.

For all enquiries, to make a donation, suggest a sponsor or funding body, or to be placed on the waiting list for the next batch, please contact either

Heather Alabaster, 0191-386 5918

Clever Clogs Press, 6 April, 2007