Community Spotlight: how advice and advocacy services improve lives

Visiting Access2Advice in Thetford, Norfolk

Age UK Norfolk: Access 2 Advice 

Who are they? Access 2 Advice is a new programme from Age UK Norfolk specifically for people aged 50+ in the Thetford area. Operating out of local community hubs like Thetford Library and MIND’s Rest facility, the service ensures residents have access to information, signposting, and accredited advice on benefits, lasting power of attorney, social care, and local activities. 

Did you know? Our £5,000 grant helped Age UK Norfolk to pilot Access 2 Advice. By embedding themselves directly into the community, these hubs are reaching people who wouldn’t have otherwise known this support was available. 

What Angela learned: "It was a real privilege, along with a couple of our Directors, Ann Osborn and Martin Catchpole, to meet the Age UK Norfolk team. The advisers are amazing, they take the time to listen, explain things carefully, and make sure people feel confident about their next steps. 

The service is already clearly in high demand. The flexibility built into the programme, including the offer of home visits, ensures nobody is excluded. I left Thetford Library feeling proud to support a programme making such a tangible difference, and convinced that this kind of preventative, community-based advice is vital for local wellbeing." 

Find out more: Access 2 Advice: supporting older people in Thetford

Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) 

Who are they? Based in Martlesham Heath, this charity provides free, confidential support to disabled people and their carers across a wide range of issues, from benefits and appeals to housing adaptations, accessible transport, and emotional support.  

Did you know? They recently celebrated their 40th anniversary! 

What Angela learned: "Out on a recent visit, I discovered just how warm and welcoming this charity is. Our grant of £5,000 has enabled them to establish a new outreach service specifically for housebound clients or those who struggle to use public transport. 

I was incredible to hear how they’ve already supported 1,461 people through this project so far, and that doesn’t even include drop-in chats without an appointment. Visiting them was a real eye-opener; it’s about much more than just providing information. It gives people hope, confidence, and practical support to improve their everyday lives." 

Find out more: Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk)

Suffolk Law Centre 

Who are they? Suffolk Law Centre was awarded a £4,990 grant to further develop their work supporting neurodivergent young people to "Join, Stay and Flourish in Employment." 

Did you know? As a local employer, we consulted on Suffolk Law Centre’s ‘Education Leavers Passport,’ which is designed to help neurodivergent young people navigate the transition from education to the workplace. 

What Angela learned: "Too often, conversations around workplace inclusion only begin after problems arise. Suffolk Law Centre’s work seeks to change that by supporting employers to build understanding, confidence, and inclusivity from the very outset. 

It was wonderful to hear how valued the input of my colleagues was in the early stages. By demonstrating models of good practice, it provides practical examples that can encourage other employers to follow suit." 

Find out more: Suffolk Law Centre - providing access to specialist legal help for the community

Sharing a common goal 

While all three of these projects support entirely different groups of people, they share a vital mission: ensuring that no one is prevented from accessing the advice, information, and support they need because of their circumstances.