It can be difficult to get your voice heard in bureaucratic powerful organisations, whether it is a government department, the Borough Council, or the NHS.

This is where an advocate could help. An advocate is someone specially trained to make representations on your behalf and to help you to express what you want to achieve. Age UK East London provide a free, independent and confidential service for residents over 50.

Phillip Adams, a senior advocate with the group, explained how he can offer to help:

* To clarify what is happening in your involvement with the organisation

* To provide further information about your situation

* To explain options

* To help you reach decisions

* To challenge decisions made about you, if you disagree with them.

He provides one example of tenants who were long term residents getting nowhere in dealings with the landlord over dilapidations, rising damp and black mould.

In this case, the advocate visited the premises, spoke to the tenants and took photographs. As result of the contact, and the photographic evidence, the responsible Housing Officer at the Council carried out an inspection and instigated a programme of planned repair and maintenance.

In their work Age UK adhere to the principles of the Advocacy Charter.

The first sentence of the charter reads: “To take action to support people to say what they want, secure their rights, and obtain the services they need.”

At least two other organisations in Newham provide advocacy: Newham Health Watch and Voiceability, specialising in mental health.

Contact Details

Age UK info@ageukeastlondon.org.uk 020 8981 7124

Healthwatch advocacy@healthwatchnewham.co.uk 020 3828 8245

Voiceability helpline@voiceability.org 0300 363 1660

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