Age UK Norfolk is set to launch later-life advice sessions in partnership with the Bircham Centre in Reepham.

Emma Harkness, Head of Information and Advice, Age UK Norfolk. Photo: Jessica Harkness
The Norfolk-based charity, which has supported older people in the county for more than 75 years, will run its first face-to-face information, advice and signposting session on Monday 27 January from 9 am – 12 noon at the town’s community centre, which has been a key part of Reepham for more than 100 years.
Over a number of sessions over the coming months, people over the age of 50 can speak to a trained Age UK Norfolk advisor on a variety of topics including benefit entitlements (and support to make applications), lasting power of attorney, social care, advocacy services, companionship services and planning for later life.
In early 2024, the charity undertook consultations with staff, volunteers and local older people to understand what services people in later life in Norfolk required. The provision of face-to-face advice was quickly marked as an unmet need, and the charity has dedicated time this year to developing partnerships for local advice-giving opportunities.
In September, Age UK Norfolk was successful in securing funding via the Norfolk Community Foundation for a face-to-face befriending pilot in the Reepham area, which has assisted the charity’s advice team with identifying the town as a prime location for advice sessions in the community.
Emma Harkness, head of information and advice at Age UK Norfolk, said: “We are excited to continue to develop our new outreach advice service by including Reepham in our offer.
“We know that some people prefer to utilise our services face to face; residents of Reepham and the surrounding areas will now have access to accredited information and advice in a way that suits them via the Bircham Centre.”
Polly Brockis, Bircham Centre manager, added: “We are delighted to be able to host Age UK Norfolk so that people will have the opportunity to speak in person with an advisor about the issues which concern our older community.”
Age UK Norfolk is seeking funding to support the provision of its community advice sessions in Reepham and welcome contact from local organisations or businesses interested in sponsoring the activity in future. Expressions of interest can be made by email.
Current dates for advice sessions at the Bircham Centre include Monday 27 January (9 am – 12 noon, drop-in), Wednesday 12 February (pre-booked appointments only via the Bircham Centre on 01603 879242) and Monday 31 March (9 am – 12 noon, drop-in).
For more information about these advice sessions, please contact the Age UK Norfolk helpline on 0300 500 or email.