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Coronavirus

Due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, some of the organisations listed on here are still in the process of posting service updates. Many phone lines and websites are still available, but some contact details have changed. Try the organisation's own website if you're having difficulty getting through.

If you have any queries, please email us at dos@reading.gov.uk or fis@reading.gov.uk

I am looking for information, advice and support

View all services in this category

Information and advice is fundamental to enabling people, carers and families to take control of, and make well-informed choices about, their care and support and how they fund it. Not only does information and advice help to promote people’s wellbeing by increasing their ability to exercise choice and control, it is also a vital component of preventing or delaying people’s need for care and support.

The services guide lists a wealth of organisations and services that can help you find the information you need, and advice and guidance pages to help you understand processes and find out more.

Related Advice

  • Help for elderly and disabled consumers seeking support to access services
    Reading Borough Council is sign posting elderly and disabled residents towards a useful new resource for accessing essential services, such as gas, electricity, water, phones and public transport. Some people may need extra support when engaging with everyday services. A new leaflet, produced by a…
  • State Pension Toolkit (GOV.UK)
    On 6 April 2016, the current State Pension scheme will be replaced by a clearer one. This means people will be able to know from a much younger age how much State Pension they’re likely to get. It will enable them to plan better for…
  • Help with care costs
    Adult Social Care Services are not free. However, the person you care for may be entitled to financial support from the Council to help towards care costs. The rules around charging for social care services are complicated - for more details visit www.reading.gov.uk/carecharges Charges for…
  • Help with decision making (Power of Attorney)
    Power of Attorney If the person you look after lacks the capacity to make decisions about their care (because of a learning disability, head injury, dementia etc.) the Council will discuss their needs with the person/people legally allowed to make welfare and/or financial decisions for…
  • Debt Support Services
    The Family Information Service has put together information on services that can offer debt advice and support. Please visit the individual websites to find out more...   Last reviewed April 2020.
  • Getting a break from caring
    Regular breaks from caring can benefit both you and the person you care for. The right kind of break, at the right time, can help people who are ill, frail or disabled to carry on living with friends or family in their own communities. The person you care for may…
  • Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
    Safeguarding means looking out for and trying to protect others in our community who are vulnerable, or may be at risk of harm. If you think that someone is at risk, you must raise an alarm. Everyone can make a difference. Abuse can be: Physical…
  • Neighbourhood services for older people
    The Council’s Neighbourhood Services Team works directly with older people in their neighbourhoods to ensure they have opportunities to stay involved in community activities. Social groups The team has supported the development of a number of successful social groups which are now run by older…
  • Support to help vulnerable residents stay warm this winter
    Winter Watch Winter Watch offers advice and help to older people, people with disabilities or long term health conditions and families with very young children whose health and well being is most at risk because their homes are cold and damp. This includes: a home energy…
  • Mental Health in Reading - Information page
    What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Mental health problems are very common and there is…
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