32 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 0RE

Tel: 020 7828 0200
Fax: 020 7828 0400
Web: www.nbfa.org.uk

The NBFA (National Benevolent Fund for the Aged) was founded in 1957 specifically to improve the quality of life of older people in the UK who are on low income. This is done by providing direct, practical assistance through the long-term loan of TENS pain relief machines and emergency alarms, as well as organising free breaks away. The NBFA provides assistance for people who are 60 or older and on a low income.

TENS machines - (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) often provide effective pain relief in conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism. They are portable and easy to operate. The NBFA supplies TENS machines to community physiotherapists and pain clinics on long term loan, or directly to individuals who have received medical advice and who know how to use the machines.

Emergency telephone alarms - are provided to those living alone (or living with someone who might not be able to help in an emergency), and who cannot get an alarm from their local authority.

Breaks away - the provision of free breaks away has formed the main part of the work for over 25 years. For people who have not had a break away for very many years and who have no possibility of arranging and paying for one, the benefits of a breaks are invaluable. Approximately 1000 people are taken away on free Breaks-Away each year.