Advocacy (Age Concern)

Advocate Chris Heaven and Volunteer Advocate and Trustee Margaret Lewis

Later years can bring unwelcome changes in lifestyle due to poor health and reduced mobility. Growing dependence on others can lead to a loss of confidence and privacy. Some people feel they no longer have control over their own lives, decisions are made for them and they are not given real choices. Those without close family or friends may feel particularly vulnerable.

The Service
Age Concern Advocacy is independent and trustworthy. Advocacy officers work with a team of trained volunteers who will give information to older people enabling them to make decisions which affect their lives. The volunteer will help and support the older person on a one to one basis. When necessary the volunteer will contact statutory agencies and other organisations on an older person’s behalf.

We can help with issues concerning:

• housing
• residential and nursing homes, either helping to understand the funding and assessment procedure, or challenging issues when residents and their families disagree with decisions made by authorities
• utilities, water, gas, electricity etc

Legal Service
Local solicitors visit the Age Concern Office in Shrewsbury monthly and offer 15 minutes of free advice. Appointments are necessary.

Shelton Hospital Advocacy Service
We visit Lime and Chestnut Wards unannounced to support patients. This service is to be extended to Beech Ward in Whitchurch Community Hospital. Also, on the second Saturday of every month volunteers are present on the Chestnut Ward. They discuss issues of concern with patients' relatives.

Needing help?
Our advocates are happy to answer your questions, but it is best to telephone before dropping in to the Shrewsbury office, where they are based. They may be out of the office on a complex problem so please make an appointment. In certain circumstances, it is possible for home visits to be made.

For further information contact Gaynor Evans, Geraldine Williams or Chris Heaven, Advocacy officers at the Head Office in Shrewsbury Tel: (01743) 357748