text: You are here: > Advice for Older People > Local services	The FirstStop local network
  FirstStop Advice operates locally as well as nationally. Our local partners are organisations that provide free advice services to older people and their families about housing and/or care issues. In the main they are able to provide information and advice face-to-face, either at their office or by visiting clients at home. Some can provide ongoing 'casework' to assist clients to resolve difficult problems, and even practical help and support.
  Local FirstStop partners help ensure that even clients who initially call the FirstStop national Advice Line can also have access to local advice and support if they need it. Conversely, local partners are able to refer their clients to the FirstStop national service for specialist advice, or to call on it themselves. EAC has a contractual relationship with its local FirstStop partners, which sets out what service they provide, and how clients will be referred between us. There are now over 20 local FirstStop partners, some covering a whole county, some a city or smaller area. More about the FirstStop local network