Nicola Sturgeon MSP opens Age Scotland Helpline

The Age Scotland Helpline was officially opened today by Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and Cities Strategy. 
 
 
Successor to the Scottish Helpline for Older People, it has been answering calls as an official part of Age Scotland since April 2011.  However, a major investment by the Charity has now given the Helpline, which is based in Age Scotland's Edinburgh Head Office, refurbished premises more than double its former size.  
In cutting the ribbon to the Helpline Ms Sturgeon heralded a new phase of its development that will enable it to offer information support to many more older people.
Ms Sturgeon said: "People 60 and over now make up one in four of the Scottish population and older people contribute enormously to life in Scotland today. Many of our voluntary organisations depend on older people acting in different roles and our vision is for a Scotland where older people enjoy a sense of purpose and belonging and where they are respected and included.
"Age Scotland plays a very important role in the lives of older people, as does the Helpline run by the organisation. It is a trusted source of confidential, impartial high quality information for older people, their friends, families and carers.
"I am particularly pleased that Scottish Government funding has in part helped with the expansion of the Helpline's premises, ensuring that staff and volunteers can answer more calls and older people across Scotland have access to the right advice, at the right time."
David Manion, Age Scotland's Chief Executive said: "We are delighted Nicola Sturgeon was able to open the Helpline.  The Scottish Government made money available for Age Scotland to establish this service which is vital for older people and the future of the Charity."
The Age Scotland Helpline is available on tel.0845 125 9732 and email helpline@agescotland.org.uk. Tweet