Independent Age BBC Lifeline Appeal
Watch our BBC Lifeline Appeal presented by actor Sue Johnston and featuring some of the people who have benefitted from our information and advice services.
Royle Family star, Sue Johnston, is presenting our Lifeline Appeal. It features Thabani, Denis and Fiona, who have been supported by Independent Age’s Helpline, volunteering and telephone groups.
The BBC Lifeline Appeal gives us the opportunity to share the services we offer at Independent Age and help older people as we face the cost-of-living crisis and a challenging winter. We need your support to deliver our vital services to help older people to live with dignity, choice and purpose.
Hear from Sue Johnston
I’m honoured to support this appeal for Independent Age, a national older person’s charity supporting, advising and standing up for older people struggling with their finances, facing loneliness and an uncertain future.
Not having enough money to live well affects every area of a person’s life, which is why the work of Independent Age has never been more needed.
With your support, Independent Age can continue to help older people access the support they need to live a purposeful later life.
What your support means
2.1 million older people currently live in poverty. With the cost-of-living crisis, the hard truth is that a further 3 million older people could find themselves in financial hardship this winter.
Alongside our services, our Helpline receives thousands of calls each month – and just one call could be life-changing. Thabani, Denis and Fiona all had their confidence boosted from the support, information and advice they received from Independent Age.
Meet the stars of our Lifeline Appeal
By watching our BBC Lifeline Appeal, you'll see how we've helped Thabani, Denis and Fiona through our range of services. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for appeal updates.
You can watch our appeal on BBC iPlayer.
Meet Fiona
Fiona, a 72-year-old grandmother of two, lost mobility after a fall badly damaged her left leg. When her son became ill and could no longer visit her, Fiona realised she was going weeks without seeing or speaking to anyone. She joined one of Independent Age’s telephone groups – and her mental health dramatically improved.
Meet Thabani
Thabani, 72, was struggling to make ends meet on her State Pension. After calling our Helpline, she discovered she was eligible for other entitlements, including Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Council Tax Reduction. She now receives an extra £600 every month. “I’d be homeless without Independent Age,” she says.
Meet Denis
Semi-retired journalist Denis, 85, was used to looking after himself. But when lockdown hit, he realised he wanted a friend with similar interests to connect with. Independent Age paired Denis with volunteer Luke, who was studying psychology at the local university – and the two hit it off.
How to watch and support our BBC Lifeline Appeal
You can watch our Lifeline Appeal on BBC iPlayer. Your support has never been more vital.
Please watch the appeal and share this page with your friends, family and colleagues.
You might also be interested in
Helpline
Call our free Helpline to talk about how we can help, or to arrange a call with one of our expert advisers.
Telephone Groups
These groups offer social and learning opportunities to people who may not be online or who may struggle to get out and about
Benefits and entitlements
Find out what you’re entitled to by using our benefits calculator or call our Helpline