OLDER CITIZENS ADVOCACY YORK

OCAY’s vital support is changing lives for over-50s in York

2 million older people in the UK are struggling with financial worries and here in York we see the impact - worsening physical conditions, anxiety and the strain on mental wellbeing.

OCAY exists to make sure no one has to face their problems alone.

So many people minimise their struggles. With your help, we will be able to more people to get the things that they are entitled do. 

Why do people come to OCAY for support?

Individuals may be: 

• Experiencing financial hardship 
• Overwhelmed by bureaucratic processes
• Facing communication barriers
• Lacking support systems
• Digitally excluded
• Unaware of their legal entitlements

From moving house to applying for power of attorney, no issue is too small when it affects someone’s life and to live independently. 

Our advocacy changes lives 

We couldn’t do what we do without our dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate volunteers and staff who provide a free, personalised, confidential, one to one service offered over the phone, in the office or at home.

We work with clients. We listen to their situation to understand their problem, research information if that’s needed, and explain the information to them, help them decide on a course of action and then help them take that course of action, if they want that. 

Examples of support offered 

Many people come to us because applying for a Blue Badge just feels overwhelming. One client said:

We can also help with care issues. A lady contacted us because her mum was leaving hospital for care and she felt overwhelmed by what she was facing. We talked through it together, translating the system into plain language, so she could focus on what mattered – helping her mum.

We even helped a lady overturn a council tax banding and helped another client get onto the housing list to help stop poor housing from destroying their health. 

Case study: PIP Daily Living review - financial hardship & overwhelmed by bureaucratic processes

• Problem: We supported a client in remission from a chronic illness worried about completing their PIP review form, as well as dealing with lifelong mental health challenges.
• Solution: Their daily living allowance was maintained, unlocking pension credit, dental support and security.

We rely solely on grants and donations and we work with a range of local partners to provide this service to local people so they can access the benefits and services they need to make their lives easier.

Thank you 

Some images courtesy of the Centre for Ageing Better image library