Helping older people cope with everyday issues

For some older people, coping with everyday issues such as accessing GP services, dealing with energy suppliers, or simply taking part in community events can be difficult.            

However, anyone in Wales aged over 50, or caring for an older person, can now access free support from the HOPE (Helping others participate and engage) service.   

It’s a partnership project delivered by Age Cymru and Age Connects Wales, together with their local partners, and is available throughout Wales. 

HOPE uses trained volunteers to help people access vital services, and to obtain the information they need to make informed choices, engage with professionals, take part in community life, and better understand their rights.    

It tries to help people have their voices heard when important decisions affecting their lives are being made.  

For more information about the HOPE project call 029 2043 1555, email advocacy@agecymru.org.uk or visit www.agecymru.org.uk/advocacy.  

Since the project began in 2021 it has supported nearly 3,000 older people and their carers. This is what some of them had to say about the HOPE service: 

• My advocate was very polite and easy to talk to.  She always called me when she said she would, and the whole thing ran smoothly.  I’m so pleased because after waiting for two years to get my issue sorted, they are now coming out to see me in just two weeks. 
• I felt I had support and the option of my advocate attending a meeting with me.  That really, really encouraged me. It’s been a real lifesaver to know that I’m not on my own and I’m very, very grateful.  
• It was nice to know someone was on the other end of the phone and cared enough to call. The advocate has been absolutely fantastic in helping me with everything. 
• We cannot thank you enough, our situation caused so much anxiety and sleepless nights. We’re so grateful for all the help and support we received. You’ve been amazing, and I don’t know what would have happened without your kindness and support.  
• The help I’ve had was excellent.  I’m on my own, but I felt like I wasn’t on my own with you on board.  
• I’ve received nothing but excellent support from HOPE and would like to thank everyone involved.  
• I’d be lost without you. I hadn’t eaten properly for months due to the stress, but now I have the options for where to get more support, and have proof of the issue, I feel much better.  Thank you.