FirstStop Advice has gained a ringing endorsement from its users.
The innovative advice service for older people and their families provided jointly by Counsel and Care, EAC and NHFA, has gained a ringing endorsement after an independent evaluation by researchers from Cambridge University's Centre for Housing & Planning Research (CCHPR).
"The evaluation showed a positive picture of the service developing over 2009. There has been a continual increase in customer volumes, with a particularly strong rise in the number of people using the service from September to November. Customer volumes will exceed the targets agreed with Communities and Local Government (CLG), who have invested in the initiative."
Researchers from CCHPR will continue to work with FirstStop throughout 2010-11, evaluating all aspects of its operations at both national and local level, and contributing to sharpening its plans for the future.