AGE Concern has launched a new multi-lingual advice line in an effort to reach out to older people from all communities.
The advice line aims to improve the quality of life for hundreds of black and minority ethnic elders living in sheltered housing accommodation.
The charity says that many people from minority communities living in inadequate housing may not be able to get in touch with their families and are unable to make their needs understood because of language barriers. The advice line will build on Age Concern's Advice and Informaion and Mediation Service.
The advice line offers seven language options: Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Mandarin, Gujrati, Vietnamese and Cantonese. Callers only need to leave a message and an adviser will call them back.
Actress Meera Syal is supporting the new service. She said, "This service is great news for older people whose first language is not English. Language mis-understandings can heighten feelings of isolation.
The advice line number is 0845 600 2001.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article