Government launches one-stop-shops for older people

One-stop-shops providing services for socially excluded older people were launched today by pensions ministerJames Purnell at one of eight pilot sites in the London borough of Tower Hamlets.

The programme, called Link-Age Plus, will test out the government’s proposed Sure Start-style service for disadvantaged people over 50.

The pilot centres will help service users access help with housing, transport, the NHS, employment and volunteering and provide social clubs plus outreach services.

Pilots will also run in Devon, Gateshead, Gloucestershire, Lancaster, Leeds, Nottinghamshire and Salford.

The scheme is part of the government’s strategy for older people, A Sure Start to Later Life: Ending inequalities for older people, published in January 2006.