About us

Age Concern Barnet is a voluntary organisation existing to serve and promote the interests of all older citizens of the London Borough of Barnet, from all walks of life and ethnic communities.

Age Concern Barnet was formed in 1999 to bring together Age Concern charities in East Finchley, Hendon and Friern Barnet. For over 40 years all three provided services in the Borough of Barnet, largely based at their day centres.

The Charity provides a wide range of activities, services and information about issues of interest to older people through its day centres and in the community.  These include:

• Information and advice on matters such as tax and benefits 
• Exercise classes
• Befriending service
• Handyperson scheme
• Insurance services
• Computer training and assisted computer access 

Board of Trustees

• Julia Hines, Chair
• Joan Penney, Deputy Chair
• Anthony Jackson, Treasurer
• Grace Fensome
• Roland Klein
• Oliver Stanley

Mark Robinson is the Chief Officer and Company Secretary of Age Concern Barnet.

Age Concern Barnet is an independent charity, affiliated to Age Concern England and registered with the Charities Commission.  It is responsible for raising its own funds and is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for the effective running and direction of Age Concern Barnet.

Making money out of the most vulnerable

People who claim means tested and disability benefits are by definition in need of financial support and often managing on very low incomes. Unfortunately, there are some organisations which are set up to take money away from people who are getting the bare minimum, by charging for benefits advice. One of these is a company called Benefits Information Service Ltd. They offer benefits advice on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis, offering to help people claim (and appeal decisions about) AA, DLA, Carers Allowance and other benefits. In return, the client agrees to pay them 45% of any backdated benefit awarded. Older people can end up paying four figure sums to this company. The company has a P.O. box in Preston and they have a website www.benefitanswers.co.uk.

If you know of any older people who have used this firm (or others like it) please contact sally.west@ace.org.uk.