Cost of Living and Welfare Support

Older Adults

Breckland Council is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for residents of all ages. We encourage everyone to stay active, connected, and involved in their communities, recognising that good health and wellbeing are essential throughout life, and especially in later years.

Our approach is shaped by the principles of Age Friendly Communities, a globally recognised, evidence-based framework that helps create places where people can age well. Through local partnerships, community-led initiatives, and accessible services, we aim to make Breckland a healthier, more supportive place to live.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies

Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies provide free services throughout Norfolk. They offer a range of talking therapies, workshops and groups that help reduce feelings of worry and low mood. Their online workshops include topics such as improving sleep, coping with bereavement and living well with physical health conditions.

To request support, you can refer yourself via theTalking Therapies website (opens new window), speak to your GP or call for free on 0300 123 1503.

Cuppa Care

The Cuppa Care bus visits towns and villages across Norfolk. Whether you want to get out of the house, meet new people, chat about something that's worrying you or get information and advice, the Cuppa Care bus has friendly people on board who can help.

For further details about the Cuppa Care service and their upcoming locations, please visit the Hear for Norfolk website (opens new window) or call 01603 404440.

In addition to the Cuppa Care bus, Hear for Norfolk also provide several services to support people with hearing loss and related conditions.

Living with Long-Term Conditions

Caring Friends for Cancer Mid-Norfolk

Helping people affected by cancer, they offer friendship, support and information, as well as services if you've been diagnosed with cancer, if you're caring for someone with cancer or if you're bereaved.

For more information, call 07961 566118

Dereham Cancer Care

Supporting anyone affected by cancer, Dereham Cancer Care is a local charity offering a range of services at their Dereham Centre, including:

Workshops
Befriending
Therapies such as Indian head massage, reiki and reflexology
Equipment loan
Holiday home for respite
Monthly coffee mornings and bingo sessions

The centre is open for drop in on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00 - 14:00.

Evening and weekend drop ins are held monthly.

For more information, call 01362 288089

Marie Curie

A national charity with representatives in the Breckland area. All of their information and support services are free to access.

They provide free support over the phone in more than 200 languages, and via webchat, to anyone with a potentially terminal illness, and those close to them. The service offers practical and emotional support including first questions after a terminal diagnosis and details about accessing services, guidance on planning for death and support for grief.

They also have information on palliative care for healthcare professionals too.

Contact their support line (open 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday, and 10am - 4pm on Saturday to Sunday): 0800 090 2309 or e-mail support@mariecurie.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society's Norfolk and Waveney Dementia Support Service is an NHS funded, community support team for those living with Dementia and their carers.

Services can be accessed via phone, face to face, and with clinical and non-clinical expertise. Once service users have given consent, they can re-access the service at a later date, without the need to repeat themselves.

There are no maximum time limits and residents can use the service both in the early stages when they need lots of information and links to local services, and later on when issues become complex.

To access the service:

Call: 01603 763556

E-mail: norfolk@alzheimers.org.uk

Website:Visit the Alzheimer's Society website. (opens new window)

Staying Active

Healthy Ageing - Norfolk County Council

Supporting older people to stay safe and well at home. Find ways to stay independent, live life to the full and keep doing what you enjoy.

Visit theNorfolk County Council website (opens new window) to find out more about being active, staying connected and protecting your health.

Money and Benefits

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is available to residents of State Pension age and on a low income, to help with living costs. Pension credit is a 'passport' benefit which allows access to other support such as Warm Homes Discount and NHS dental treatment.

Having £10,000 or less in savings and investments does not affect Pension Credit entitlement.More details on eligibility, amounts and how to apply are available on the government website. (opens new window)

You can apply online or by calling the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234

Age UK Norfolk

Age UK Norfolk offer a range of support to older residents in Norfolk.

Their confidential free information and advice helpline is available to anyone aged 50 or over and their family. They can help on a range of subjects, including:

Benefit entitlement checks
Support in claiming benefits
Help with grants
Assisting you to complete forms and registration for Lasting Power of Attorney
Social Care Assessment
Paying for care and support
Local clubs and groups
Transport

Email: advice@ageuknorfolk.org.uk

Telephone: 0300 500 1217

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/norfolk/our-services/ (opens new window)

Digital Inclusion

Norfolk Libraries

Their Digital Health Hub can help you with the skills you need to access online health services. This includes things like how to make an online appointment with a GP and ordering repeat prescriptions online. These are one-to-one sessions, delivered online over Zoom, or in person in Norfolk libraries.

To book a place, call 01603 774777 or email libraries.iconnect@norfolk.gov.uk.

Norfolk Libraries also hold regular events to help you get online and learn digital skills. Further details can be found on the Norfolk County Council website: Digital support and skills courses (opens new window)

Tech Skills for Life

Tech Skills for Life is a partnership led by Norfolk County Council.

Sessions with their Community Tech Coaches are free. They aim to help you use tablets, computers, and smartphones, access the internet, and give you the skills and confidence to use technology in a way that works for you. They can also give advice about affordable broadband.

Now available for residents in Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton.

To request support:

Call 01485 536420 or 01493 448246

Or you can complete their online form via the Tech Skills for Life website. (opens new window)

Grief and Bereavement

Swaffham and Litcham Home Hospice

Providing support for residents who have cancer or terminal illness. The Home Hospice provides support and reassurance for patients and their families. Services are free and include: