AGE Concern North East Wales has launched advocacy drop-in sessions for the over-50s.
The service has been helping clients across North East Wales for a year, with advocates providing support and information to clients in their homes.
To build on the success of the service, Age Concern is developing a number of drop-in sessions, where older people can go along and discuss issues confidentially with a member of the advocacy team.
These projects are funded by the Older People's Strategy Flintshire and Comic Relief.
Advocacy is a method of taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. they always respect the point of view of the client.
Advocacy can be particularly beneficial to people who are over 50, people who are physically and socially isolated, who are vulnerable or who may need support to understand information and represent their interests.
This is particularly valuable for people who may not be able to speak up for themselves, or have the confidence to do so.
Advocates can help people to express their choice and preferences, and access services and benefits they are entitled to.
They can help people challenge decisions and make complaints and sort out practical matters such as writing letters and making phone calls.
The advocates will be at the following venues next month: November 8 - from 10am-noon at Hafan Deg Community Centre, Treuddyn; November 9 - 10am-noon Holywell Library; November 10 - 10am-noon, Flint Information and Resource Centre (opposite the library).
