Copeland Age & Advice Service: Supporting Independent Living Across Copeland
COPELAND AGE AND ADVICE SERVICE
Supporting Independent Living Across Copeland.
by Danni Murphy
Since its launch, Copeland Age and Advice Service (CAAS) has made a remarkable impact across West Cumbria, helping over 6500 older residents live safely, confidently, and independently in their own homes.
Based at their new premises at A20 Haig Enterprise Park in Whitehaven, CAAS is a not-for-profit social enterprise that provides trusted information, advice, and guidance to people aged 55 and over. The service supports clients with financial matters, housing issues, benefit checks, and independent living solutions, offering a lifeline to many in Copeland’s rural and often hard-to-reach communities.
“With Copeland’s ageing population growing and public sector budgets under strain, CAAS plays an essential role in providing early intervention.”
“The move has given us the opportunity to expand the retail side of the organisation, which helps fund our other vital services,” explained Lesley Amor. “One of the main reasons for relocating was to grow our range of second-hand equipment and disability aids. We accept items that the NHS can’t take back—even brand-new products like wheelchairs and commodes that might otherwise end up in landfill. We check and clean everything thoroughly before reselling it at a low cost. Every penny raised through our retail sales goes directly back into supporting our other essential services.”
CAAS exists to make sure older residents receive the help and support they’re entitled to. Many people are unaware of the benefits, grants, and services available to them, or find the application process confusing and time-consuming. The CAAS team provides practical, hands-on help—from carrying out benefit checks and completing applications to offering advice on housing options and later life planning. Through their benefit application service, they have increased the overall weekly income of individuals in Copeland by over £1,800,000 with backdated payments made totalling over £4,500,000; This extra income also has a positive impact on our local economy.
As Qualified Trusted Assessors and approved agents for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the team also conduct holistic home assessments to identify ways for clients to remain safe and independent. This might include recommending mobility aids, home adaptations, or safety equipment, ensuring each client receives personalised advice suited to their needs.
With Copeland’s ageing population growing and public sector budgets under strain, CAAS plays an essential role in providing early intervention. By helping people access benefits, adapt their homes, and remain independent for longer, the service reduces the likelihood of individuals needing more intensive social care or hospital-based support in the future. The organisation works closely with local authorities, health professionals, and charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society and Parkinson’s UK to ensure clients receive the right support at the right time.
CAAS offers a wide range of practical support, including advice on money matters and benefit entitlements, assistance with housing applications and grants, help completing forms such as Blue Badge and Lasting Power of Attorney applications, low-cost equipment hire including wheelchairs, knee scooters, and bath lifts, and assessments for daily living aids and home adaptations. The team also provides guidance on housing options, including sheltered or residential accommodation. In addition, CAAS offers a selection of quality pre-loved aids and equipment to promote safety and mobility at home, helping clients maintain their independence affordably.
While CAAS receives funding from organisations including Copeland Community Fund, Cumbria Community Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, and Cumberland Council, small service charges apply to some services to help maintain the organisation’s sustainability. These contributions ensure CAAS can continue to reach and support older people across Copeland for years to come.
Copeland Age and Advice Service (CAAS)
A20 Haig Enterprise Park, Kells, Whitehaven CA28 9AN
www.caasteam.com
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