A YORK charity that helps older people get their voices heard has received more than £300,000 in National Lottery funding.

Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY) is celebrating an award of £313,184 over five years from the Big Lottery Fund.

Based in a shop front premises on Townend Street, near York Hospital, OCAY has been helping older people in the city since 2001.

Offering a free, independent and confidential service, it specialises in helping to get people with issues such as housing, health and social care, finances and benefits.

OCAY estimates that it has helped more than 3,500 people aged 50 plus since it was set up.

Chair of trustees, Rachel Totton, said: “I am delighted that Big Lottery has again recognised the high quality of our charity’s work.

"This shows their understanding of the growing numbers of older people in York and the complex issues that many older people face and with which they may seek help.

"Once again, Big Lottery Fund has supported the huge value our volunteers add to the service.”

The funding will help OCAY make sure that more people across the city know about and can benefit from its work.

Most of OCAY's advocacy work is carried out by skilled volunteer advocates, many of whom have been involved for several years.

Volunteers also help the staff team with fundraising and publicising the service.

Their work is headed up by advocacy project lead Dorothy Hodgkinson.

She said: “Our volunteers bring such life skills and commitment to their work, and we couldn’t provide our service without them.

"We have unparalleled experience in providing advocacy for older people in York.

"In the next phase, we are placing an even greater emphasis on developing our training programme.

"We hope to share our learning with other organisations in the city, to benefit even more people.”

The same Big Lottery announcement saw Selby Community Trust receive £9,120 to fund replacement foyer and fire-exit doors.

Ulleskelf Parish Council was given £9,862 to install outdoor gym equipment for older children and the over 65s.

To find out more about OCAY, including volunteering opportunities, contact Dorothy Hodgkinson on 01904 676200 or info@ocay.org.uk.

You can also visit the website: www.oldercitizensadvocacyyork.org.uk