Future Looks Bright For The Golden Guide As Care Trust Comes On Board

Just one year on from the first appearance of the Golden Guide for Older People, a brand new second edition has been published in response to overwhelming demand from older residents and their carers across the county.

The chunky free guide, produced by community information specialists Clever Clogs Publishing in partnership with Age Concern Northumberland, is packed with facts and tips on money, health, care, leisure activities and your home, to help people find out who can help them locally and how to get in touch. It first came out in October last year, and in less than 6 months some 5000 copies had been snapped up and fund-raising began for more – whilst Age Concern organised a waiting list.

Editor Heather Alabaster says “We have had a fabulous response to our appeal for help with funding. Local MPs, companies, charities and voluntary organisations have generously sponsored pages within the guide, but the icing on the cake was when Northumberland County Council – through the Care Trust – agreed to back it too, and issue copies to their Care Managers for older clients.”

Quick to recognise its value, Daljit Lally, Executive Director of Adult Care, says “Feedback showed how useful these books can be and we are delighted to become part of the team helping to produce them. As part of our commitment to improving the lives of older people in both urban and rural areas it means we can bring them to the widest possible audience.”

Marie McWilliams, Campaigns Manager for Age Concern Northumberland also added “We always knew they would be popular – now they are established as a major local resource we are looking forward to working with our partners to make sure they remain in print, and available free, for everyone over 50 in the county.”

To get hold of a copy, ring Age Concern Northumberland’s information line on 08450 950 150 who will post one out to you free. Copies are also being distributed by Northumberland Care Trust Care Managers, Citizens Advice Bureaux and all Library Branches and Mobile Libraries across the county. A full copy is also available on the website at www.ageconcernnorthumberland.org.uk

Clever Clogs Press, October 2007