We were delighted that St Albans Times featured the work of the Trust and the publication of the Sliver Pages in edition 104 on 23 January 2025.

NEW SILVER PAGES BOOK PRODUCED FOR LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE
We live in an age where people seeking information just Google it.

But how do older people get information if they don’t have access to the internet?

They might ask relatives or neighbours, their GP, look in the local paper, or maybe ask the Council.  But what if they don’t know what support is available or assume that there’s no support, so they don’t ask?

It can mean that their world gets a bit smaller, a bit less comfortable and maybe lonelier and more isolated: a vicious downward spiral that sometimes continues until the older person ends up in a crisis.

Local grant-giving charity St Albans Old People’s Trust knows that this is a big issue, so they have produced a printed book to help local older people who are struggling to access much-needed support.

They spent six months finding out from local older people on low incomes, what sort of help they need, researching sources of free and low-cost support and creating a colourful directory. They called it the Silver Pages, as a play on words and homage to the familiar directory, the Yellow Pages.
The Silver Pages is packed with details on a broad range of sources of support including how to access free items, help to claim benefits, access to grants, help for pets, community transport and bereavement support. It also gives details on many welcoming clubs which meet locally. Each section is colour coded and clearly marked.

The Silver Pages also contains lots of testimonials and real-life stories from local people whose lives have been improved and, in some cases, transformed by the help they received.
Kate Newton, Grants Manager for the Trust explained, ‘We receive many calls each week from older people telling us about their issues, often they are only just about managing to make ends meet. Many are missing out on financial help that they are entitled to, and which, in some cases could almost double their income. They also tell us they want to get out more, but need places which are free or low-cost, welcoming and are in venues which are easily accessible.

We know that there is a huge amount of local help available for older people, but many don’t know about it.
–       They are worried about heating bills, but many are unaware that Citizens Advice St Albans offers Keep More of Your Money consultations and has specialist Energy Support advisors who can offer face to face appointments.
–       Those with poor vision may not know know about the specialist support from Herts Vision Loss or the Talking Newspaper service.
–       Those who struggle to cook for themselves may not know how to access Community Meals or about the drop in lunchtime restaurant at the Jubilee Centre in Catherine Street.
–       Some may want to become more digitally included, but don’t know that Computer Friendly can help them.
–       Some people have many issues such as care support needs and don’t know about Herts Help, which can help them access multiple sources of help.
–       All these services and charities and more feature in the Silver Pages.

The Silver Pages also contains a lot on information about benefits for those of retirement age, such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, as well as the help available locally to apply for them.

Kate explains why the Trust is so passionate about older people getting the benefits they are entitled to.
“We know there are around 900 people across St Albans District missing out on Pension Credit, which is the main gateway benefit to accessing the Winter Fuel Payment and other help like free dental treatment.  Many also miss out on Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance and other help, often because they don’t know that they have to apply for it. So, we help raise awareness and encourage them to seek support to apply from Citizens Advice, Herts Help, Age UK Hertfordshire and other sources.

The Trust is so committed to the helping older people to access information and support, that they have paid for 4000 copies of the Silver Pages to be printed. These are available at the Healthy Hub within the Council’s offices in St Peters Street, in local libraries, and via many local charities which support older people; also from the Trust itself. The Trust’s website has a PDF copy also.

The booklet contains many case studies about local people helped by the Trust and Citizens Advice to transform their lives. The Trust is keen to get the booklet into the hands of as many older people living on limited incomes as possible, so that they can access help and improve their lives financially, physically and emotionally.

Kate goes on to explain more about the Trust’s core grant-giving work, ‘The Trust has been helping local residents, who are living on low incomes and are 60 or older, since 2000. Each year the Trust gives around £200,000 in grants for items including kitchen appliances, carpets, mobility equipment, recliner chairs, furniture and household items. It’s a simple application process, people just need to complete a short form (which we can help them do over the phone if they struggle to write) and show us proof of age and income.  If it’s a simple request for a vital item such as a replacement cooker, washing machine or fridge-freezer, we will try and ensure the client receives the item requested within 10 days of applying. We use local trusted suppliers who we know will go the extra mile.

She continues “We meet older residents who haven’t been able to afford to replace their washing machine for years, so have backache from washing their clothes in the bath. Clients struggling to see properly through glasses with an outdated prescription because they can’t afford a new pair. Clients who just sit on their worn armchair, because they are afraid of falling when they stand, as they don’t have the funds for a rise and recliner chair to help them stand safely. Clients whose world has shrunk because they can’t afford a walker or mobility scooter to get out to the local shops. We can, and do, help with all these types of problems faced by older people week in, week out.

Local resident Dave Richardson is delighted with the Trust’s help.  ‘I got in touch when my fridge freezer packed up, a few days later the Trust delivered a new one and took the old one away. They also gave me a reclining chair so I can put my feet up’. Dave is very keen that people reach out for support when they need it: he features throughout the Silver Guide with encouraging messages.

So, if you are, or know a local person who you think would benefit from a copy of the Silver Pages or a grant from the Trust please get in touch.

The Trust is also looking for 2 new Trustees to join the charity at an exciting time, it celebrates its 25th year in 2025. It’s an interesting role, working with the existing Board of five, helping to set strategy for the Trust, approving grants and really feeling like you are making a difference to the lives of older residents, some of whom are the most vulnerable in our community. The Trust is financially self-sufficient, meaning no fundraising is required. The Trust has an excellent reputation amongst clients and referral partners.

To get in touch with the Trust to request a printed copy of the Silver Guide, or to apply for a grant, call 01727 260701 or 07541 659442. You can write to St Albans Old People’s Trust,c/o Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, AL3 5BU. Or visit in person at the Council’s Healthy Hub on Wednesday mornings 10-12.30. Or email grants.admin@staopt.org Or see their website oldpeoplestrust.org.uk