The HOPE Project (Helping others participate and engage) is a partnership project between Age Cymru, Age Cymru local partners and Age Connects Wales partners throughout Wales. HOPE is funded by Welsh Government under the Sustainable Social Services Grant.

This exciting project helps by supporting people to engage, participate, gain information, have their voices heard, understand their rights, make choices, be involved, share experiences, raise awareness of advocacy, and develop skills and knowledge.

• HOPE delivers advocacy support at a community level through a range of advocacy models by recruiting and then fully training and supporting project volunteers. HOPE aims to support people at an early stage in their issues or concerns to prevent them slipping into crisis. We want to help people to get the help and support they need at the earliest point. Helping older people to reengage with their communities and to get access to services.
• HOPE delivers advocacy for older people (50+) and carers across Wales. HOPE staff and volunteers engage with communities who can guide us to make sure the service we provide is right for the needs of older people and carers in their areas. We want to make sure we work with and complement the existing advocacy providers and forums across Wales.
• HOPE identifies and supports Advocacy Ambassadors who promote awareness of rights and choices, and the importance, benefits and outcomes of advocacy. HOPE promotes advocacy in all its forms to show how important it is and what a difference it can make.
• HOPE has established a programme of training, workshops and events enabling advocates across Wales to further develop their skills and knowledge. Training and workshops are also available to other professionals who would benefit from greater awareness of advocacy and how to access it.