Why advocacy is not about age but about having a voice
Advocacy is sometimes misunderstood as something only needed at certain stages of life.
In reality, the need for support, representation and a strong voice can arise at any age. What matters is not how old someone is, but whether they are being heard, understood and treated fairly.
At different points in life, people may face situations where decisions are made about them rather than with them. Advocacy exists to help ensure individuals remain at the centre of those decisions.
Support needs do not follow an age bracket
Children, young people, working-age adults and older people can all experience moments where they feel overwhelmed, unheard or unsure how to navigate complex systems. This might involve healthcare decisions, social care support, housing issues or safeguarding concerns.
For some, advocacy support may be short term, helping them understand their rights and options. For others, longer-term involvement may be needed to ensure their views are consistently represented. The common factor is not age, but the need for clear, independent support.
Uphold Advocacy provides independent advocacy services that focus on the individual, their circumstances and what matters to them, rather than assumptions based on age or background.
Advocacy across different life situations
Advocacy often becomes essential during periods of change or uncertainty. This might include transitioning between services, facing major health decisions, or experiencing changes in mental capacity or care arrangements.
Independent advocates help people understand information, express their views and take part in discussions that affect their lives. This support can be particularly important when systems feel complex or when individuals feel under pressure.
More information about how advocacy support works in practice is available on the advocacy services page, which outlines the different types of advocacy support offered.
Young people and advocacy support
There is sometimes a misconception that younger people are naturally confident or able to speak up for themselves. In reality, young people may face significant barriers when dealing with education, health or social care systems.
Advocacy can help young people feel supported, particularly when decisions have long-term implications. Having an independent advocate can provide reassurance and ensure their views are taken seriously.
Uphold Advocacy’s approach focuses on empowering individuals to understand their choices and feel confident expressing what they want, regardless of their age or situation.
Advocacy later in life
Older adults may encounter situations where their preferences are overlooked or assumptions are made about what is best for them. Advocacy helps ensure that individuals remain involved in decisions about their care, living arrangements and wellbeing.
Support at this stage of life is not about taking over decision-making. It is about enabling people to be heard, respected and involved in ways that reflect their wishes.
You can learn more about Uphold Advocacy’s values and person-centred approach on the services page, which explains how independence and respect underpin every service.
Advocacy is about fairness, not age
The need for advocacy arises when someone feels unable to fully express their views or have them acted upon. This can happen at any stage of life and in many different circumstances.
Advocacy helps level the playing field, ensuring people are supported to understand their rights and take part in decisions that affect them. Age does not define vulnerability or capability. Individual circumstances do.
For answers to common questions about advocacy and how support is provided, our website offers clear guidance on when and how advocacy can help. Or contact us for a chat.
