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TENDRING
AND COLCHESTER ADVOCACY SCHEME |
ENABLING OLDER PEOPLE TO STAY IN CONTROL OF THEIR LIVES |
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| advocacy
is:- One independent citizen speaking up for the rights and needs of another person whose voice may not be otherwise heard. We help people who are aged 60 and over, when for whatever reason, they need a totally independent person to stand alongside them.
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| How
the scheme works:- We work with carefully recruited and trained volunteers, who are placed in partnerships with frail, vulnerable older people needing representation. The advocate helps their partner to make their voice heard, in issues which may be social, emotional or financial. We visit people wherever they are living; at home, in residential care or in hospital. We accept referrals from any source;
family or friends, doctors, socials workers, district nurses and many
other agencies, or, of course, you may wish to contact us yourself
directly.. The partnership will last for as long as necessary, sometimes throughout the lifetime of the partners, or sometimes just for a short period, until the issue is resolved.
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| A
volunteer advocate can:- Assist in relieving anxiety at times when difficult decisions have to be made. Enable people to express views and state choices the wish to make concerning their lives. Ensure that their partner's rights and wishes are represented at all times, enabling them to have a say in what is happening in their life. Listen, discuss problems, and to speak on behalf of someone if they are not in a position to do so themselves. Reassure the partner that they have a right to make their own decisions about their future Protect frail and vulnerable people from abuse, whether physical, financial or psycological.
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| THIS SERVICE IS FREE OF CHARGE | |
| it is maintained by grants, donations and bequests, and is independent of all statutory, private and other voluntary organisations | |
| if you feel that an advocate may be able to help, please contact | |
| Belinda
griffith at:-
8
& 9 northgate house Tel & Fax No. 01206 251516 |
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| Project Manager: Susan Greaves | |