NBFA Links and Resources
The following links consists of online resources and websites that may contain further information and advice of use to older people and carers. Please note that while these websites were selected for inclusion, the NBFA has no control over them and thus takes no responsibility for the content of any of the links below.
ACO - The Association of Charity Officers
This link provides a full list of members of the Association of Charity Officers. The ACO exists to connect charities with those in need. The charities and funds listed exist to help those from different backgrounds and areas, with many of the trusts targetted towards people who have worked in specific industries in their lifetime. The list links to further information on the individual charities, in respect to how to make contact and receive aid.
Social and Respite
Vitalise are a national charity providing short breaks and other services for the disabled, the visually impaired and their carers. The breaks have a charge but in cases of strong need they will help source funding or provide grants.
Contact the Elderly run monthly home-based social gatherings for elderly people, hosted by volunteers. The events encourage socialising within local communities and help to prevent loneliness and isolation.
Health and Independence
FotE offers high quality residential and nursing care, both in care homes and at individuals' residences. They provide a range of community services including welfare and grant giving for those in financial need, day clubs, home support, home visiting and telebefriending.
W4B aims to prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness for those who may find it difficult to leave their homes, by providing the benefit of comfort and entertainment through granting radios and TVs to individuals.
Dial-a-Ride
This is a free or cheap service existing in some parts of the country for disabled people who can't use public transport. Once you are a member of such schemes, you can use them like a taxi service, helping you to get around for trips like shopping and visiting friends.
For example, this is the scheme in London: www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/
You should contact your local authority to see if they have a similar scheme in your area.
www.direct.gov.uk/localcouncils/
This organisation provides information and support for pain sufferers.
College of Occupational Therapists
Information on how occupational therapists can help with older people's care and support. Includes information on reablement, preventing falls, remaining safe and independent at home and public health.
Wise Owls
Wise Owls is dedicated to the employment interests of older working age people. They are a not-for-profit body who have have been operational since 1999.
Financial Support
Independent Age provide regular payments to people over the age of 70 who are from reduced financial circumstances. They also provide volunteer visitor support, grants for emergencies and equipment, hospital stay packs and bedding. Their website also has an extensive list of further resources.
National Benevolent Institution
The NBI provides regular financial assistance in the form of regular payments (though these may be supported by one-off grants to individuals, too) to the elderly in reduced circumstances.
Charity SEARCH deliver a free service helping older people in genuine financial need receive support that may be available to them through a variety of sourcessuch as charities and trusts.
AftAiD provides grants for individuals in need for specific items or services to alleviate their distress.
Society for the Assistance of Ladies in Reduced Circumstances
The society provides grants for both individuals and organisations by application.
Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT)
This organisation can provide financial support for anyone who has had connections to the UK Furnishings industry. Money can be given for a wide range of purposes including for utility bills, holidays and housing repairs.
Turn2us helps people in financial need to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial support via its free, easy-to-use website, helpline and face-to-face through our partner organisations. The Turn2us website brings together an easy to use Benefits Checker and a Grants Search database giving access to nearly 3,500 charitable funds – all available through www.turn2us.org.uk. For those who are not able to access the website, our freephone helpline is open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Mondays to Fridays on 0808 802 2000. Turn2us is part of the national charity Elizabeth Finn Care.
Further Advice and Information
FirstStop Care Advice provides a comprehensive overview of care and housing for older people. They offer free fact sheets, resources and have a free advice line to call on.
Counsel and Care provide personalised, in depth advice and information. They also provide a wide range of accessible publications aimed at older people, professionals and policy makers, as well as hosting an advice line.
This section of the Age UK website explains about a wide range of financial issues.
Outlines the benefits and support available for carers and the people they look after.
National Benevolent Fund for the Aged