OCAY is a York-based charity that provides advocacy to older citizens. OCAY is looking for a Vice Chair of Trustees to join our active, committed existing core of board members. Following a suitable and successful period as vice chair, we would hope for the recruit to transition to becoming chair of trustees, to take over [...]
We would like to try another Drop-in Chat Session Over Zoom, so that partners can just drop in between set times to see what we are up to or ask about how we might support particular clients. We will be waiting to see you on Wednesday 24th Feb, 11am-12pm. Here is the link: Join Zoom [...]
This is a piece that OCAY's Chair of Trustees; Rachel Totton wrote for the OCAY Newsletter, where she speaks about her role as a Trustee and recruiting a new Vice-Chair Trustee: "I've been involved with OCAY since about 2008, first as a volunteer, then a trustee and currently chair of trustees for more than six [...]
Our Lead Our Lead Advocate, Dan Brittan recently took part in the York Systems Changers Programme. This was a course where he explored creative ideas for supporting people in York with multiple and complex needs. This is what he had to say about it: "From September – December 2020 I attended York Systems Changers Programme. [...]
The Aviva Community Fund Crowdfunder Project has allowed us to fund free advocacy support for older people, who have recently had a diagnosis of dementia. Our volunteers can help with applications for power of attorney, advanced statements, welfare benefits, pensions, accessing health and social care services and complaints. They can help clients to challenge decisions [...]
The Veterans Foundation supported our bid to fund advocacy support to Veterans last year. The need for advocacy support was one of the main issues raised in the Armed Forces Covenant Survey. We are really pleased to have this opportunity to offer our free advocacy service to Veterans over the age of 50 who live [...]
We have just completed our report for our Quarter 3 Stats (October-December 2020). OCAY volunteers have supported 211 older people so far, this financial year. 62% of our clients were female, whilst 38% were male. Thank you to everyone who has signposted older people to OCAY, you have really helped us to help older people. [...]
OCAY is always recruiting new volunteers. It’s been really great that people still want to volunteer, despite the lockdown. Over the past few months, we have converted our face to face training to online and distance learning. Our volunteers have 4 sessions of training; Induction, Basic Advocacy Skills and Interview Skills and Record Keeping, which [...]
Are you struggling to stay afloat? Council Tax Support is there to help people who find themselves in difficult situations. Check if you can get assistance at www.york.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport or www.york.gov.uk/benefitsadvice or call City of York Council on 01904 552044 Advice and support are available and OCAY can help you stem the tide. Call us on [...]
In August 2020, the BBC introduced a new scheme that offers some over 75 households a free TV Licence. You can get a free TV Licence if: You, as the licence holder, are 75 years or older AND you, or your partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit. If you are over 75 [...]
