The Veterans Foundation has supported Older Citizens Advocacy York‘s (OCAY) bid to fund advocacy support to Veterans. The need for advocacy support was one of the main issues raised in the Armed Forces Covenant Survey undertaken last year.
Ruth Potter, Charity Manager said,
“We are really pleased to have this opportunity to offer our free advocacy service to Veterans over the age of 50 who live in York area. Advocacy is about getting your voice heard, saying what you want say to those you want to say it to. We have a team of 30 volunteers, some of whom have served, and they can support people with issues such as benefit applications, contacting or making complaints to utility companies, writing letters, finding information to support informed decision making or getting access to local services.”
“OCAY are happy to take referrals from other organisations or people can contact us directly. All clients have an initial meeting (currently over the phone) but usually face to face with our Lead Advocate. They chat through and agree with the client what help or support is needed, undertake a risk assessment and a questionnaire about how the client feels. They then match the client with a volunteer with experience of the issue. The volunteer works with the client for as long as is required. Our service is client-led, free and confidential.”
Contact them on: info@ocay.org.uk | 01904 676200 or 07715099493
