Disabled Living Foundation launches a free telephone advice service for older people in London

25/02/2008

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF), a charity that provides impartial advice about equipment for older and disabled people, has launched a new, free service for people aged 60 or over who live or work in London.

This pilot, funded by the City Bridge Trust, is aimed at anyone who has problems with mobility, communication, dexterity or any similar issues that might affect them in their everyday life.  
 
The new service builds on the DLF’s renowned AskSARA self assessment tool, currently available online at www.asksara.org.uk. AskSARA asks you to enter information about yourself and your environment. It then provides you with a detailed report based on your answers that offers useful advice and suggests products that might be of help to you.
 
However many older people still do not have easy access to the internet, so they can call the DLF’s Helpline to be guided through AskSARA over the phone. A detailed report containing advice from the DLF’s Occupational Therapists and information on products that might be of help will then be mailed to the caller.
 
Nicole Penn-Symons, Chief Executive of the DLF, says ”We often assume that in this day and age everyone has access to the internet. This is certainly not the case, especially for many older people. By launching this new telephone service we are ensuring that we reach out to those without access to the internet who could benefit from the advice and information that AskSARA provides”.
 
If you are over 60 and live or work in London and have any everyday difficulties you would like to discuss then call 0845 470 7272. Lines are open from 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.