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the ombudsman and older consumers

The ombudsman is committed to working closely with older people – as part of our outreach work with targeted groups of consumers who use the ombudsman less and have lower levels of awareness of the service.

Focusing on a period in life when consumers are likely to face significant change – and important financial challenges and decisions – the campaign reminds older and retired people about their right as consumers to use the free independent ombudsman, in the event of a dispute with a bank, insurance company or financial business.

our media partners

The ombudsman works closely in partnership with a range of specialist media aimed at older consumers:

Choice – a leading lifestyle magazine for people over 50:
– good advice for your grandchildren
– check carefully to avoid the cheque fraudsters
– holidays without the hassle
– giving car thieves a quick get-away
– borrowing at the point of sale
Retirement Today – the magazine and website for people approaching or enjoying retirement:
– getting your finances into shape
– cheque you know your rights
– insurance disputes
– keep it covered in the cold
Camping and Caravanning / Caravan Talk
the ombudsman provides tips and advice for the estimated one million caravaners across the UK:
– money matters
– top tips on financial problems
– financial talk for caravanners
Hospital Radio – including a recording by Newton Abbot hospital radio
a feature in Emphasis, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association's quarterly magazine
a feature in the Healthier Living – promoting informed choices for a healthier lifestyle, and available at NHS surgeries and clinics nationwide
silversurfersguide.com – a web resource aimed at the over 50s – with information on how make a complaint and the role of the ombudsman

out and about

The ombudsman takes part in – and organises – a wide-range of events aimed at older consumers, including:

drop-in complaints-clinics focused on older people – held in partnership with local advice groups and agencies (for example, our Highlands and Islands Tour)
the Caravan and Motorhome Show at the Birmingham NEC
the Fabulous at 50+ Show at the Bournemouth International Centre
the Retirement Show at London Olympia and Glasgow SECC

trusted advisers

The ombudsman works with a wide-range of advice workers and community groups that work with older consumers. This includes:

running community and advice worker training-days for front-line advisers at a range of organisations that represent the interests of older consumers
contributing to publications read by advice workers – such as Inform and Advise (for Age Concern carers and advisers), Advice NI, Citizens Advice Adviser, and an ombudsman news special-feature with case studies involving older consumers
coverage in Newslines – the newsletter for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP), the UK-wide charity for volunteers over 50
taking part in Nursing in Practice – the largest free event for practice nurses and primary-care specialists across the UK
working with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) – the organisation that works across the NHS, handling patient and family concerns
taking part in local radio interviews and phone-ins aimed at older consumers – especially those living in rural districts or more isolated parts of the UK.