Attendance Allowance extended in Northumberland after first year success

Available to help adults with long-term care needs or a disability to remain independent in their own homes, ‘Attendance Allowance’ has been given a fresh funding boost by Northumberland County Council in order to extend its contribution until March 2013.

The Allowance was launched one year ago by the Council in collaboration with Age UK Northumberland, not only to provide financial assistance to older and vulnerable members of the community, but also to promote awareness amongst voluntary and community groups of the challenges many families and individuals face.

Age UK Northumberland’s information and advice manager, Deb Still, welcomed the extension, commenting: “The Attendance Allowance Promotion Project has been really successful at encouraging older and disabled people to claim their entitlements.”

A recent conference, organised by the local council, allowed individuals who have benefited from the Allowance to speak about how it had made such a difference to their lives. Among those was Mrs Veronica Turnbull, who said: “Age UK Northumberland helped me to appeal when I was turned down for Attendance Allowance. I was then awarded lower rate Attendance Allowance and now I can put my heating on whenever I need it.”

Councillor for adult care and well-being, Ian Lindley, also commented: “It is really important that people know what help and support is out there. Most people wish to live as independently as possible within their own home. All our services are designed to support and enable people to live the fullest lives possible. Northumberland County Council’s Partnership with Age UK Northumberland is an important part of our work.”