Published: 23 July 2026
More than 5000 people have now attended one of Surrey’s nationally commended Planning for your Future presentations, which aim to help people plan for and navigate support in later life. And as it approaches its third year, the campaign is moving up a gear with a special event to address an area of universal concern.
The 5k milestone was reached just eight months after the initiative welcomed its 4000th attendee.
With most Surrey residents expected to have to pay for some or all of the social care they may need in later life, people are clearly responding to the core message of the need to be informed and prepare for their future.
One recent attendee summed up who the campaign can help: “This event is really useful, maybe essential, for everyone, whether you are getting on in years and want an overview of all the things you should be thinking about as you get older, or whether you have close friends and family members who might be looking to you for support in the coming years.”
The in-person and virtual presentations are all free, and accompany the campaign’s telephone information line, website and a tool for estimating likely care costs.
Responding to resident feedback, partners involved in the campaign have now announced a one-off event that addresses a fundamental issue for most of us when it comes to the support that we might need– money.
Special September event unveiled
Focusing on the financial and legal aspects of later life planning, Surrey County Council and Age UK Surrey will be joined by expert speakers from the Society of Later Lafe Advisors (SOLLA) and the Association of Lifetime Lawyers for a special free event in Leatherhead on Tuesday 22 September.
The in-depth session will aim to demystify common financial and legal aspects of planning. Topics include what to look for in contracts from private care providers, to the vital role of Powers of Attorney and the specific ways that people can finance care. Attendees will also be able to interact with the speakers and other, local organisations who provide support for residents or carers.
Reflecting on the success of the campaign so far, Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Most of us acknowledge that there may come a time when we need more support, but we typically do little to prepare for it. Our unique Planning for your Future campaign offers an easy starting point and helps ensure people aren’t at a complete loss if unexpected events occur. I’m delighted that its message has now reached 5000 people.
“The new special event - a more focused session built around finance and legal matters – will be of further help for those who are considering what later life might look like for themselves or their loved ones.”
Anyone wishing to book a space for the finance and legal special (or attend one of the summer’s regular Planning for your Future sessions), should visit the Age UK Surrey website.
