AN ONLINE support group for those seeking advice and support for elderly parents has been given a boost.

Dubbed the 'Mumsnet for the middle aged', Age Space has been set up to offer help and support for anyone dealing with an increasingly frail or dependent loved one. Its online community also provides a forum to let off steam or seek answers when things get too much.

Age Space is a national organisation but a new hub for Dorset was launched in 2017.

It has now added Dorset funeral directors, Grassby & Sons to its list of experts offering advice.

The long-established family firm operating in Weymouth, Dorchester and beyond will be sharing advice and guidance on the website and through a series of informal events around the county.

From the practicalities of arranging and paying for a funeral, to what to do when someone dies, Grassby will provide guidance on many of the aspects of death that few of us know about or think about in advance.

Age Space founder Annabel James said: “We are so pleased to be working with the team at Grassby & Sons in Dorset.

“Talking about death and end of life care really is one of the last taboos, and while there is plenty of information available, it can be very difficult to know what to do for the best when the time comes."

Nick Grassby, who works with his father David and uncle Peter Grassby at Grassby Funeral Service in Dorchester said: “We are delighted to be working with Age Space.

“We know how stressful it can be when a loved one dies, and we have many years of experience in helping people choose the most suitable course of action when it comes to arranging a funeral.

“Many people will be facing these circumstances for the first time and we understand how important it is to be able to easily access information about the financial, legal and more personal aspects of bereavement.”

Age Space Dorset signposts to services across Dorset, and offers guidance on all aspects of elderly care, particularly around funding and choosing care. There is a directory of Dorset-based services for elderly people, forums, blog posts and articles from partners which also include care specialists Prama, Poundbury Wealth Management in Dorchester and law firm Preston Redman.

Age Space Dorset can be found at agespace.org/local/dorset/