SIGNpost

SIGNpost is a telephone information and help line that has been specifically developed to meet the needs of P&G Associates, through the provision of a responsive service that can help find solutions to their problems. SIGNpost is operated by DPS Consultants, who have also worked with P&G on the development of the "Thinking Ahead" pre-retirement and life-planning seminars and supported the development of the Associate Scheme.
SIGNpost is able to provide information on a number of subjects, including:

• State Benefits, Pensions and Tax
• Home Support Services
• Post-retirement Activities - Adult Education, Volunteering
• Home Environment
• Contact details for national and regional organisation/agency
  which provide services to the over 50's

All calls are FREE, the telephone number is 0800 083 9168. The line is manned between 9:30am and 12:30pm Monday to Friday, an answerphone service is in operation at all other times.

In order to answer your enquiry SIGNpost is able to make use of DPS Consultant's large reference library and online services, in addition there is access to the specialist consultants who are utilised on the courses.

SIGNpost may not be able to answer your query immediately but a response is promised by the end of the next working day.

Unfortunately, SIGNpost cannot give financial or legal advice, but it can provide you with information and direct you to appropriately qualified independent organisations and individuals.

Remember SIGNpost is completely confidential no information will be provided to Procter & Gamble without your permission.

To give you an idea of the range of support provided we have listed some examples below:

Q. A relative has died and I am listed as next of kin, they do not have a will that I am aware of, what should I do?

A. We have a number of useful leaflets which we can provide to people on what to do after a death in England, Wales and Scotland. We are also able to help people through the process by advising them on the steps they should take, who they need to contact, etc.

Q. I am nearly 60 and my friend told me about Winter Fuel Payments that I should be entitled to, how do I find out if I am?

A. We can provide a copy of the claim form to people for them to complete, and also advise them on when they become eligible.

Q₁. I have bought a toaster that now doesn't work and the retailer is refusing to take it back?

Q₂. Our neighbour is claiming that we have taken a foot of his land when replacing our fence?
- and similar questions.

A. Whilst we are not able to advise you on any legal matters, we are able to provide you with a definition of the law that applies to your circumstances from various on-line databases and services. A better appreciation of your legal standing can often lead to a more rapid resolution of a dispute.

These are just a few of the types of call we receive, if you have any sort of query or issue, please do not hesitate to contact us. If we can't help we can usually point you in the right direction, and often it just helps to talk about your problem.

(Please note, SIGNpost is a service funded by P&G and provided by DPS Consultants for P&G Associates and their spouses/partners and immediate family only. There have been occasions when friends of Associates have contacted SIGNpost seeking information. SIGNpost is not able to provide any support or advice to these individuals.)