Actors Jane Asher and Vincent Ebrahim star in the first two in a series of powerful films launched today (Thursday 14 December) to tackle the stigma of poverty in later life.
The films from national charity Independent Age demonstrate the reality of financial hardship for people in later life and highlight the support that is available. Jane and Vincent deliver scripts based on real calls to the Independent Age helpline. Jane, whose acting career has spanned more than six decades, delivers the story of ‘Jill’, while The Kumars at No. 42 actor Vincent brings ‘Robert’s’ story to life.
Both stories show the challenges of life on a low income for older people and the solutions that Independent Age advisers can offer. On average, callers to Independent Age are missing out on around £4,000 in additional financial support each year, and the charity says this money can be life changing.
Jane Asher plays Jill, a former wedding dress shop owner who lost her business during COVID-19 and after a divorce has found herself living with her daughter. On taking part in the film, Jane said:
“Times are incredibly tough at the moment. No one in later life should have to face money worries alone and unsupported or feel ashamed of asking for help.
“Stories like Jill’s show how a person’s circumstances can change so quickly, but it’s reassuring to know that charities like Independent Age are there to provide advice and support, and to make life worth living again.”
Vincent Ebrahim’s character Robert is a former bookkeeper whose retirement income couldn’t keep up with the cost of living. On his involvement, Vincent said:
“Robert’s story is just one example of how the cost of living is impacting people aged over 65. Independent Age frequently hears from older people who have worked all their lives, but now they have retired, their income isn’t enough to even scrape by.
“The work the charity is doing to find additional financial support for older people is so important. That’s why I’m proud to have voiced Robert’s story. Please support the charity if you can.”
The films have been launched as part of the charity’s ‘A Life Worth Living’ appeal to raise money for their helpline. 2.1 million older people are in poverty in the UK, and millions more are living precariously on the edge. Independent Age is focused on supporting older people in financial hardship. Any money raised will enable them to help more older people to unlock the financial support they are entitled to. This can include support like Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Housing Benefit.
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said: “We are so grateful to Jane and Vincent for lending their support to our helpline films.
“There is a dangerous misconception that all older people are enjoying their retirement free from money worries but this could not be further from the truth for the millions of people in later life living in poverty.
“We hear from older people who have cut back to eating just one meal a day, or are sitting in cold and dark homes because they fear an unmanageable energy bill. Many are reaching out for the first time because of the cost-of-living and many tell us they feel ashamed of asking for help. This should never be the case.
“Through this powerful series, we want to show the reality of poverty in later life, but also show that support is available. Our helpline provides a lifeline for older people in financial hardship – one that takes them from what is often a very dark place. But our work isn’t possible without donations. Please donate whatever you can to help us make life worth living again for older people in financial hardship.”
Independent Age’s free and confidential helpline number is 0800 319 6789. The team can also be reached on helpline@independentage.org
Independent Age’s appeal ‘A Life Worth Living’ runs from Wednesday 15 November until Friday 12 January to raise funds for the charity’s helpline. To find out more about the appeal and to donate, see Donate to Independent Age
- ENDS -
Notes to editor
Vincent Ebrahim as Robert: Robert's story | A Life Worth Living | Independent Age (youtube.com)
Jane Asher as Jill: Jill's Story | A Life Worth Living | Independent Age (youtube.com)
For media enquiries please contact
Amy Dodge, Media Communications Manager at Independent Age, amy.dodge@independentage.org, 07732 691466
Out of hours: 07545 209589
Case studies
- Thabani Sithole, 73, a former nurse who lives in London and had to retire due to ill health, feared she was going to lose her home. Before speaking to Independent Age, her savings had dwindled and her State Pension wasn’t enough to cover the bills. Independent Age advisers found she was eligible for support including Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Council Tax Reduction which amounted to £800 extra per month. Read more here.
- Stephen, an 80 year old ex-farmer who lives in Wiltshire, was expecting £400 per month from his private pension. When he retired he discovered it was only £90. Stephen and his wife (who only gets the State Pension) started to struggle when the cost of living increased, and he had to sell their car. After speaking to Independent Age, the couple now receive an extra almost £7,000 a year in Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction and Attendance Allowance.
A Life Worth Living
Independent Age’s Christmas appeal ‘A Life Worth Living’ runs from Wednesday 15 November until Friday 12 January to raise vital funds for the charity’s helpline.
On average, Independent Age advisers have helped callers to the Helpline access more than £4,000 of unclaimed support. This money can be life-changing.
To find out more about the appeal and to donate, see Donate to Independent Age
About Independent Age
Independent Age is a national charity providing support for older people facing financial hardship. We offer free and impartial advice and information and grants for community organisations. We use the knowledge and understanding gained from our frontline services to highlight the issues experienced by older people who are facing financial insecurity and to campaign for change. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.
For more information, visit our website www.independentage.org.
Arrange to speak to one of our advisers for free and access confidential advice and information. Freephone 0800 319 6789 or email advice@independentage.org.
To make a donation or find out more about how you can support the work of Independent Age and help older people stay independent, please visit independentage.org/support-us.