 | What does it do?Age Concern Somerset Advocacy Services give help to older people in Somerset who are having problems dealing with a situation alone.
These problems might include financial worries, filling in Welfare Benefit Forms, dealing with letters that seem threatening or confusing or housing issues.
Problems might be complicated by Mental Health difficulties, such as short term memory loss, or varying forms of dementia.
Support may be needed by the family or carers too.
The important thing is to get your needs, wants, opinions and wishes heard. It’s about empowering, not taking over. If the problem is complicated, our volunteer Advocates offer a listening ear and can research the information needed to allow you to make an informed choice. Once you have decided on the solution you prefer, then Age Concern Somerset can offer independent support through to the conclusion. This might mean helping to write a letter of complaint or visiting a solicitor or a doctor. An advocate can help you prepare and even go along to give moral support.
Mental Health Advocacy
Our service is available to any older person, especially those who have no-one else to speak up for them. Residential and nursing homes know about our service and welcome our involvement where we can help a client with a difficulty. Our volunteers receive training about mental health issues, and can offer the patience and time needed to make sure all parties are communicating and making the client’s needs their highest priority. |
Who it is for: For older people in Somerset. | Where it is available: Local service covering: Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, Mendip, North Somerset, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Taunton Deane, West Somerset (Somerset). | How to access or apply for it: To make use of any of our Advocacy Services, please telephone 0845 643 4701 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or leave a message on the answerphone outside these hours. You may prefer to write, fax or E mail info@ageconcernsomerset.org.uk | Additional information: Age Concern Somerset Advocacy Services have the Community Legal Service “Quality Mark”. This means that an outside auditor has judged the service to be free, independent and confidential and that its staff and volunteers receive regular training, supervision and support. | Classification(s): Legal & financial, Casework, advocacy & support, Financial advice (benefits), Advocacy | Info last updated: 27/07/2010. |
| About the service provider: | | Contact info: | Age UK Somerset: The Market House, Fore Street, Taunton, TA1 1JD. (view on map) Telephone: 0845 643 4621 Fax: 01823 324 128 Visit their website | | Parent organisation: | Age UK Somerset | | Who are they? | This office also covers North Somerset |
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