Advocacy First, which provides a voice for vulnerable older people, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Reporter CHARLOTTE McDONALD finds out more.

ADVOCACY First was set up a decade ago to help older people coming out of hospital who needed support in deciding on what to do next.

Since then, the charity's role has branched out to include helping any elderly person from Bexley or Bromley in their own homes, in residential or care homes or who are suffering from dementia.

An advocate speaks on behalf and in support of someone, for example when they need to deal with a health authority or social services.

They do not give legal advice but can research options people may not have considered and help them to pursue them.

The charity, which is based in Howard Road, Bromley, currently has three paid advocates and five trained volunteers.

There are also other members of staff and volunteers who run the organisation and help raise funds.

Maria Harris is one of the professional advocates and deals specifically with those suffering dementia.

She has worked with the charity for two years but has another 14 years' experience working with people suffering dementia.

Miss Harris said: "I got into advocacy because I often saw the struggles people with dementia had and their carers too, but professionals couldn't understand.

"Advocacy is really important in giving people a voice.

"People are very intimidated when they have meetings with social services and things such as that.

"Some people with dementia don't have any family at all so having someone making sure they get to say what they actually want is important."

Advocacy First chairman Irving Radnor said: "We empower people to get what is rightfully theirs by speaking out for them."

One of the people helped by the group was a 91-year-old man who had dementia and lived on his own.

He was admitted to hospital after he was found wandering in the street.

Social services and doctors believed he could not return home and would need to be placed in a care home.

An advocate visited him to find out what he wanted. He asked to go home and his family agreed this would be in his best interest.

Meetings then took place at the hospital. The advocate attended and asked for new tests to be carried out, made phone calls and maintained contact with the man and his family.

After several meetings, he was allowed to go home.

Miss Harris said: "Often people don't know their rights and don't know what options they have.

"For a carer it can be quite lonely and isolating.

"The carer needs to stay well to look after their loved one.

"It can be the little things, such as having someone to listen to and being on your side."

Advocacy First hosted a dinner at the House of Commons to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Among the guests were Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill and Bromley councillors Colin Willetts and Judy Ellis.

The event raised £2,600 from a raffle and a secret auction.

The money will be used to fund the charity's work.

Anyone who is interested in becoming an advocate, volunteer or trustee at Advocacy First can call 020 8460 6712 or 07768 373732.