The number of both professional advocates and advocacy services in Wales have reduced, even though the need for such services is growing as people’s issues are becoming increasingly challenging and more complex, according to new research undertaken by Age Cymru and launched at the start of Advocacy Awareness Week.

Over the last 18 years Age Cymru has been reviewing the state of advocacy services in Wales, that is, those services that help support people to make informed choices, engage with professionals, take part in community activities, or have a better understanding of their rights.

The research has been carried out every other year and these latest findings, contained in Advocacy Counts 9, found that most of the reductions in services since 2022 were caused by real cuts in funding.

The research found that despite people needing more time and more support, there are waiting lists for services while advocates are having their hours cut so services can survive.

The impact of all this on the people needing the support is substantial and means that in real terms fewer people can get access to services despite having more complex issues and higher needs.

This increasing range, and complexity of challenges, was also reflected in Age Cymru’s 2024 annual survey of more than 1300 older people across Wales. The survey heard that almost half of older people found the cost of living to be a challenge during the last 12 months, and more than half said they had issues with their physical health. These challenges are compounded by other issues, such as lack of transport, not being able to access face-to-face banking and cash, bereavement, or homes needing repair.

Advice services across Wales are also reporting an increasing range and complexity of issues from the older people they are supporting.

This lack of funding has meant that most advocacy services have been unable to offer pay awards that match inflation resulting in some salaries hovering around minimum wage levels. This has led to high staff turnover and difficulties in recruiting, since people can find better wages in supermarkets and coffee shops.

Advocates need to be able to manage complex caseloads, have a professional qualification, legal knowledge, and the ability to explain complex issues.

Action needs to be taken to ensure the sustainability and growth of advocacy support so it’s available for everyone that requires it. People in crisis and complex situations need advocacy that prevents them becoming passengers in their own lives.

If you’d like more information about Age Cymru’s Advocacy Services, either to help you access the support you need to live a more independent life, or you’d like to become a volunteer advocate to support others, get in touch with us.

Call 029 2043 1555, email [email protected] or visit www.agecymru.org.uk/advocacy.