A CHARITY has received a four figure grant from Newcastle Building Society, to help the organisation widen access to their financial support services.

Age UK Northumberland, an independent charity, offers support and advice to those aged 50 and over, and a £3,000 grant provided by Newcastle Building Society will increase access to and awareness of the financial advice available.

They are providing a free finance check to help older people monitor their finances, to support them, their families, and carers.

Amy Whyte, Chief Executive at Age UK Northumberland, says: "Taking a long-term approach to addressing financial pressures is the best way to go for everyone, but sometimes we just don’t really know which way to turn when issues become apparent."

"This is when our specialists at Age UK Northumberland can step in and take the pressure off, working with people to complete the application forms, ensure they’re including the right information and appeal on their behalf if necessary."

"There's perhaps never been more pressure on older people's finances than there is today and we encourage people to get in touch and let us work with them to ensure that they’re getting everything that they’re entitled to."

Amy added: "The support we’ve had from Newcastle Building Society will help us reach more people in need across the county and will make a positive difference to the quality of life they’re able to enjoy."

Since launching in 2016, Newcastle Building Society's Community Fund has contributed over £2.1m in grants and partnerships to a wide variety of charities and projects across the region, including the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the Prince's Trust.

The grants are so far estimated to have positively impacted more than 151,000 people.

Stephen Burt, manager at the Newcastle Building Society's Station Road branch in Ashington, added: "Age UK Northumberland's approach mirrors our own aim to connect communities to a better financial future, and the charity's work is clearly making a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of people across our heartland area."

The Newcastle Building Society Community Fund is run in association with the Community Foundation Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.