Jonathan Lord MP welcomed the Minister for Pensions, Laura Trott MP to Woking to help raise awareness of Pension Credit. Joining Jonathan and Laura to discuss Pension Credit and issues affecting pensioners were members of a local Woking organisation, Silver Friends (previously Woking Age Concern).
Silver Friends, is a local not-for-profit charity, founded by Sandra Smook in 2022, that was born out of a passion to serve the older community and operate on the belief that no one should have to suffer through loneliness and isolation, especially in their later years. With 112 service users, along with 44 volunteers and over 30 events a year, Silver Friends provides a vital service for many people to stay connected with friends of their own age and with the wider Woking community.
Minister for Pensions, Laura Trott MP, has been travelling across the country to raise awareness about Pension Credit. Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Jonathan Lord said, “Lots of people at the discussion and indeed, I’m sure across Woking, may not know that they could be entitled to Pension Credit. A lot of people may not realise that Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension and individuals can also be entitled to Pension Credit if they have other income streams, savings or own their own home” “With residents still facing the challenges with the cost-of-living, it is important that we ensure that those who are eligible are aware of all government support available, including Pension Credit.”
Jonathan Lord added, “I was delighted to join the team of volunteers from Silver Friends and these retired residents to discuss all the key issues that are affecting older people. The team at Silver Friends represent the very best of Woking, offering friendship, support and sometimes a real lifeline to those who might otherwise face isolation.”
Sandra Smook, Founder of Silver Friends, thanked Jonathan and Laura for visiting and said “It was great to welcome both Jonathan and Laura to talk to our volunteers and terrific group of retirees. We had an interesting discussion about Pension Credit and our local work in helping to reduce loneliness and isolation for those in their later years. If any reader would like to know more about Silver Friends, then they can reach me at: [email protected]”
For more information on Pension Credit, readers can visit: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
