Advocacy for Older People

We were delighted to be awarded a grant* last year to provide advocacy to people aged 65 and over who identify as being from an ethnically minoritised and/or LGBTQIA+ community, living in Newcastle or Gateshead.

The Covid pandemic and Cost of Living Crisis have exacerbated the needs of people who use our services and this is particularly true for many older people and even more so for those from these communities who have experienced multiple inequalities due to their intersectional identities.

For example some have experienced increased acts of aggression and discrimination, arguably as a result of bigoted Brexit and/or Covid Pandemic narratives which have sought to blame communities seen as ‘other’. Evidence shows an increase in acts of aggression particularly targeted at people from ethnically minoritised and/or LGBTQ+ communities, as well as people with disabilities – all of whom can also be over 65.

These client groups can experience isolation, digital exclusion, poverty and deprivation as well as high levels of mental ill-health. As a result they are likely to need vital Independent Advocacy to access services and social networks, navigate mental health services, gain digital skills to access online services and ensure that their rights are upheld and their voices hears in decisions made about them.

We are still taking referrals for this service and are keen to reach people from these communities who need Independent Advocacy support.

To make a referral for yourself or someone else, please go to Refer to Connected Voice Advocacy and download, complete and return a Community Advocacy Referral Form. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your circumstances, please ring us on 0191 235 7013 or email us at advocacy@connectedvoice.org.uk

*The grant was awarded by the Pargiter Trust via Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland