Advocacy
Providing suppport to enble older adults to express their views
People are entitled to be in control of their own lives but sometimes, whether through frailty, disability, financial circumstances or social attitudes, they may find themselves in a position where their ability to exercise choice or represent their own interests is limited. In these circumstances an advocate can help to ensure that an individual's views are heard, respected and acted upon.
Advocacy is taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice.
Our Advocacy service provides a trained advocate for older adults and, if necessary, their carers. Our advocates provide information, support and representation, as appropriate, on any issue of importance in the lives of older adults. This includes, for example:
- community care issues
- complaints about services
- major life changes such as moving into sheltered housing or residential care
- benefits
- making a will.
Our advocates will listen to the wishes of the client and help them act on their wishes by provding clear information about the available choices. The advocate will support the client in their choice and assist them in achieving their goals.
The service is for older adults in Waltham Forest, living in groups or alone, who are unable to advocate on their own behalf. Our Advocacy service is also available to carers of older adults living in Waltham Forest.
Our advocates can provide advice, support and information in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
Age Concern Waltham Forest's Advocacy Service endorse the core principles of the Advocacy Charter - details are available on the Advocacy for London' website.
