Every year, over £5 billion in attendance allowance goes unclaimed across the UK—funds that could significantly impact the lives of older and vulnerable individuals. Chris Humphrey, from Wroughton, is determined to change this for those in the Swindon area with his new business venture.
Chris has launched a Swindon division of Grey Matters Consultancy, a national franchise dedicated to helping older and vulnerable people claim benefits such as attendance allowance, pension credits, personal independence payments, and disability allowance.
This new business represents a significant career shift for Chris, who previously spent 20 years at Intel in various roles, including finance, IT, and marketing, before moving into consultancy. The catalyst for his new direction came from his personal experience caring for his elderly parents.
“My dad is 87 and has Alzheimer’s, and my mum, who is 12 years younger, is his full-time carer but has her own health problems,” said Chris, who is married to Gemma and has two children, Joe, 16, and Beth, 13. “I was introduced to Grey Matters Consultancy when we realised my dad might qualify for a higher rate of attendance allowance. They explained everything clearly and made the process straightforward. My parents are now both on the higher rate, which is worth over £11,000 a year to them.”
Through Grey Matters in Swindon, Chris aims to help others who may not know what they are entitled to or find the paperwork too complex. For one of his first clients, Chris successfully secured attendance allowance worth almost £6,000 a year.
Grey Matters Swindon serves the town centre and the wider area south of the M4, including Royal Wootton Bassett, Wroughton, Chiseldon, and Marlborough.
“We are helping people who may not know they can claim these benefits or who struggle with the complicated online paperwork,” Chris explained. “We also support the children of elderly and vulnerable individuals, who want to help their parents but find the process too time-consuming and complex.”
In addition to benefits claims, Chris offers a Lasting Power of Attorney service, assisting people in nominating an attorney to manage their affairs if they become incapacitated, and Blue Badge applications.
Caroline Romero, founder of Grey Matters Consultancy, expressed confidence in Chris’s ability to make a significant impact. “At Grey Matters Consultancy, we are dedicated to ensuring older and vulnerable individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to. With Chris Humphrey leading our new Swindon franchise, his personal experience and professional background will be instrumental in making a significant difference. Chris’s commitment to guiding people through the often complex process of claiming attendance allowance and other vital benefits reflects our core mission of empowering families with the support they need. We are excited to see the positive changes he will bring to the Swindon community.”
To get in touch with Chris, email chris.humphrey@grey-matters-consultancy.com or call 07825 316502. For more information about Grey Matters Consultancy, visit www.grey-matters-consultancy.com.
