About Us
The right to have your voice heard and to participate in making decisions that affect you is a fundamental principle in a democratic society. It is a principle simply stated as "Nothing about you /without you".
Sage Advocacy is the National Advocacy Service for Older People. It works to ensure that people have easy access to information, support, independent advocacy and safeguarding services in all settings: homes, day centres, respite facilities, congregated care settings / nursing homes, hospitals, hostels, hospices and in the process of transition between them. It also provides supports to vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where no other service is available to them.
It is currently expanding its services with the support of the Dept of Education to meet the support and advocacy needs of survivors of institutional abuse. Since it was established in 2014, with the support of the HSE and The Atlantic Philanthropies, it has built a strong reputation for independence of thought and action and is a ‘go to’ service in relation to issues of capacity and decision making.
Sage provided information, support and advocacy services to almost 8,000 people in 2023 and demand for its services is growing. The work of Sage on behalf of clients is independent of family, service provider or systems interests. The service is free of charge and confidential.
An Independent Voice
Sage Advocacy ensures that a person’s voice is heard, that their wishes are taken into account and that they are assisted, in whatever ways necessary, to be involved in decisions that affect them. Sage’s work is independent of family members, service providers and systems interests. We are publicly funded and while we collaborate where possible, we challenge where necessary.
Quality Standards & Guiding Principles
Sage’s work is guided by Quality Standards for Support & Advocacy Services for Older People, the Guiding Principles of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Acts and the Code of Practice for Independent Advocates of the Decision Support Service. Detailed service policies and guidelines are regularly reviewed in the context of experience. A Case Management Group oversees complex casework issues supported by in-house legal advisers and external expertise when required.
Six Quality Standards guide the work of Sage Advocacy
The Sage Advocacy approach at all times reflects the six quality standards outlined in the Quality Standards for Support and Advocacy Work with Older People which can be applied generally to support and advocacy work with all vulnerable adults and healthcare patients.
1
Respect
Reflecting the right of every person to be treated with dignity and respect, including each individual’s right to privacy, confidentiality and self-determination.
2
Social Justice
Promoting equal treatment with other people in respect of access to basic goods, services and protections and a positive affirmation of social solidarity.
3
Competence and Compassion
Demonstrating high levels of skill, competency, compassion and consistency on the part of advocates.
4
Accessibility
Available in a manner that is convenient and easily accessible to people who require support.
5
Independence
Structurally, operationally and psychologically independent from health and social care service providers and representing only the will and preferences of people receiving support.
6
Accountability
Acting with integrity and responsibility and engaging with people who use the service and with other stakeholders in an honest and transparent manner.