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The older people's advocacy group Linkage, which monitors standards at sheltered housing schemes and residential homes in the area, is worried that some people are receiving inadequate levels of support.

Members of the group, based at Lansdowne Road Methodist Church in Crumpsall, regularly visit premises as part of the group's role in championing pensioner's rights.

John Jones, a Linkage activist, said: "Linkage campaigns and gives information on services and monitors sheltered housing in north Manchester.

"We are concerned that sheltered housing warden control is reducing to dangerous levels in some areas and in some residential homes it isn't a happy situation."

Linkage is an independent, non-political and non-denominational organisation originally set up in north Manchester as a pilot project.

It now receives funding from the Health Commission to pay for a full-time development worker, Eileen, who works from an office at the church.

She is employed to act as an advocate for older people who want to enter a residential home or sheltered accommodation and provides information to help pensioners choose what is best for them and can help them stay in their own homes if they choose.

Linkage holds a private monthly board meeting at the church which is also home to the North Manchester Pensioners group who meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm.

These meetings include guest speakers talking on issues relevant to older people and, unlike the board meetings, are open to anyone.

Mary Jones, a group stalwart, hoped more people would join the activities and take advantage of the services offered by Linkage.

She said: "Some people think Linkage and the pensioners group belong to the church but it's just a base. Anyone can use the service and the pensioners group is open to everyone."

There is a bell on the main door marked Linkage for people to pop in anytime but Eileen may be out on calls and it is advisable to ring first for an appointment on 795 3591.