Caseworker Farzana Naveel says: "It's a real challenge being an advice worker but I enjoy it. Each person is a character with their own story to tell."

Advice & support

Our advice workers deal with almost 6,000 cases each year. Some people come to the Centre because they cannot get the Income Support or pensions that they are entitled to. Others are refugees, isolated and confused by a new country.

In extreme cases we see older people who are experiencing neglect or even abuse from their families and who urgently need care and rehousing.

For some people it is just a matter of answering a question or completing a form with them. Other cases may take several hours, making phone calls, or writing letters. Even the simplest things are very difficult to do if you do not understand the language or how systems work.We are also working with the Southall Rehabilitation Project as part of a new Government initiative to offer preventative care for the elderly.

Many elderly Asians are overlooked by social services because they do not speak English or use other services. We refer users to physiotherapists and occupational therapists so that they can receive any adaptations, home helps, medical care or support they need.

We are currently fundraising to expand our services to offer home visits and outreach work.