Hull Advice Charities Urged to Apply for Funding to Boost Work With Older People

It’s a tough time for everyone with bills going up, but for many older people on low incomes, it’s more than just a squeeze. It can feel like an impossible challenge just to cover the basic living costs. Imagine having to choose between putting the heating on or doing a proper food shop. That's the reality for too many.

The good news is that help is on the way for local charities that provide a vital safety net. The national charity Independent Age has just announced a brilliant new funding round, and it’s got Hull firmly in its sights. They’re putting a huge £1.6 million on the table to support organisations that give advice to older people, helping them fight back against poverty.

A new funding boost for vital advice services

This isn't just a small pot of cash; it's a significant investment. The money comes from the Boosting Advice Fund, a project by Independent Age aimed at strengthening the support available for older people. This latest funding round is a recognition that local charities and organisations are on the front line, dealing with a massive increase in demand for their services.

They provide essential face-to-face advice, but have been struggling with underfunding for years. This funding is designed to change that, ensuring that older people have someone to turn to for practical help. The grants are there to empower these organisations to give consistent, high-quality advice that can genuinely change lives. It's all about helping older people get the financial support they're entitled to, maximise their income, and steer clear of unfair costs that can trap them in poverty.

The fund has already made a huge difference. In the last two years, it has given out £4.9 million to dedicated advice charities across the country. Now, it’s Hull’s turn to benefit. This support is crucial because many older people with low incomes are finding it harder than ever to cope with rising basic living costs. This new funding round aims to ensure that expert advice is available to those who need it most, providing a much-needed lifeline.

Why the focus on Hull?

So, why Hull? Independent Age has done its homework. They’ve identified eight towns and regions across the UK where there are high populations of older people who are most in need of advice services. Hull is one of those key areas. This targeted approach means the funding goes directly to communities where it can have the biggest impact.

The goal is to build a stronger safety net in these places, making sure that local charities have the resources to provide dedicated support. This initiative acknowledges that local organisations are best placed to understand the specific challenges faced by older people in their community. By providing these grants, Independent Age is helping to ensure that no older person in the city has to face financial hardship alone. The support is designed to build resilience within the community and empower the charities already doing fantastic work.

Who can apply for these grants?

This is a call to action for all the amazing advice charities and organisations in Hull. If your group provides support to the community, this could be for you. Eligible organisations can apply for substantial grants of up to £150,000 spread over three years. And there’s even more available for those who team up. If you form a partnership with another organisation, the grant can go up to £210,000. This is a great incentive for collaboration, allowing charities to pool their expertise and reach even more older people.

Independent Age is particularly keen to hear from organisations that already have a solid track record of delivering high-quality, face-to-face advice. But, even if your charity doesn't currently focus on older people, you’re still encouraged to submit an application. The key thing is to have a clear plan showing how this funding will help you build that specific support into your services. The application process is designed to find the best organisations to deliver this vital work, strengthening the entire advice sector in Hull.

How to get your application in

Getting the application process started is straightforward. All charities interested in this funding opportunity need to submit an Expression of Interest. This is the first step to show that your organisation is a good fit. The whole process is managed through an online portal, which can be found on the Grants section of the Independent Age website. Before you start filling anything in, it's really important to read the application guidance and the FAQ document thoroughly. These documents have all the details needed to make a strong application for the grants.

Here are the key details you need to know:

• What: Expression of Interest for the Boosting Advice Fund.

• When: The window for applications opens on 4th February 2026.

• Closing Date: The final deadline for submissions is 2 pm on Wednesday 25th February 2026.

Make sure to get your Expression of Interest in before the closing date, as late submissions won't be considered. This funding round is a fantastic chance for Hull's local organisations to secure the financial support they need to continue their brilliant work with older people facing poverty.

Making a real difference where it counts

The impact of this kind of funding can’t be overstated. It’s not just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about real people getting the help they desperately need. Hannah Lison, Head of Grants and Partnerships at Independent Age, highlighted the urgent need for this support.

She said: “We’re really proud of the work being done by our current Boosting Advice grant-partners. All 32 charities are providing vital advice and support to the older members of their communities. However, there are still two million older people living in poverty, many of whom don’t have access to advice services tailored to their needs.”

The results from the first funding round speak for themselves. In just the first year, over 7,400 people received the support they needed. Lison added: “We’ve already seen the difference that high-quality advice can make for older people on a low income. In the first twelve months of the initial funding round, over 7,400 people received the support they needed. We want to extend this work to Hull and provide advice for the people that need it most. We want to strengthen the safety net provided by local advice charities and make sure nobody faces poverty in later life alone.” This initiative is a clear and powerful commitment to tackling poverty and ensuring older people can live with dignity and security.