Advocating Change for Older People
We’re the only UK based national organisation supporting independent advocacy services for older people.
Find out moreWatch Rosie’s Story and See How Advocacy Works
Get in Touch
Latest News
Social Feed
As part of looking after ourselves here at Together HQ, we are using this time, in the new year and with more time at home, to "get our affairs in order".
It can be quite hard to imagine a time when we might not want to take care of ourselves anymore, or we might not be able to. But right now, more that ever before, when we all have to stay away from each other far more than we'd like, it's really important that we have a plan in place should something go wrong for us.
But did you know that without a "power of attorney" agreement in place, no-one else will be legally allowed to make decisions for us? Not a spouse or partner. And not a next of kin.🤔
When someone makes a power of attorney, they give someone else permission to act for them. That individual will then have the legal authority to deal with banks, the local council or depending on the type of authority given, health care providers.
In order to make a power of attorney, you must be currently able to make your own decisions. This is called having mental capacity.
A power of attorney arrangement can be useful in any stage of adult life, but it might be particularly helpful as we age. It can give our loved ones comfort that they will be able to take care of us, should we need that level of support. And it gives us time to have those difficult discussions about what we would like in our later years and get assurances that our preferences will be met.
Click on the link to learn more about what the NHS says about Lasting Power of Attorney:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/making-decisions-for-someone-else/giving-some...
But if it is difficult to understand, or you need help, then an advocate could be the ideal person to assist you with this task. DM 📩 us to find an advocate in your area!😀
Image from RODNAE Productions from Pexels
There are so many talented people out there! Anyone want to help?Calling all knitters!
If you would like to relieve some lockdown boredom and raise funds for vulnerable older people in Sunderland our smoothie hat activity is your perfect solution!
We know there are some very talented knitters out there so please come and support us by creating smoothie hats to raise funds for the Big Knit ❤️
For every behatted smoothie that gets sold, Age UK Sunderland will receive 25p to help older people and reduce loneliness.
Whether you’re new to casting on or already know your garter from your stocking stitch, it’s easy to get started. You’ll also be part of the huge knitting team helping us to reach such as monumental target for a great cause.
A wide range of knitting patterns to suit all abilities and styles can be found on our website. Alternatively, you can come up with your own unique and wonderful creations.
If you would like to find out more or to arrange a collection, please contact [email protected] or 0191 514 1131.
www.ageuk.org.uk/sunderland/get-involved/the-big-knit-2020/
Today is supposed to be "Blue Monday". Blue Monday is the name given to a day in January usually the third Monday of the month, which is supposed to be the "most depressing day of the year"! This idea is arrived at, by calculating the likely weather, the number of days until Christmas, how much money we feel we have, and other factors.
But apparently this was a concept just invented by Sky Travel in 2005! 😆 In 2005 they issued a press release talking about "Blue Monday" as though it were a "proper thing".
The man who came up with the concept Cliff Arnall told The Independent newspaper in 2018 that it was "never his intention to make the day sound negative"!😆
So we are NOT going to BE negative today! We are going to focus on blue skies, blue horizons and the very best of the blues in all aspects!
Blue Monday? Yes! But only because blue is beautiful!💙
www.opaal.org.uk
How totally wonderful!❤When the coronavirus pandemic meant that Megan and Thomas Cahoon had to reduce their wedding guest list to 15 people, Megan decided to have her two grandmothers - aged 80 and 90 - as bridesmaids instead. 💒 💜
Nans Gillian and Mary travelled to London for the wedding, and it was the first time they'd got out their homes to do anything "properly social" since March.
Although the glamorous bridesmaids didn't wear matching dresses, they did have bouquets and walked down the aisle together. 💐 How wonderful!
Photo Credit: Kristian Leven Photography