Alan Charlesworth (Not neighbourly, Letters, February 23) refers to organisations that are funded by the York ward committees as “quangos” from whom the city council “buys solutions to problems”.

My understanding of the definition of a quango is that it is the colloquial but better-known definition for a “non-departmental public body”, which collectively encompass many roles and perform many functions in all areas and on behalf of government.

The organisations Mr Charlesworth mentions in his letter are independent charities, whose roles in the life of the city include enabling people to achieve their goals, encouraging them to contribute to their community, trying to put an end to marginalisation of certain groups and helping them to grow in confidence.

Other roles include fighting poverty and injustice and assisting people to become more active on their own and others’ behalf.

The services offered by these groups are designed to complement the council services, assist in reaching people who may not feel able or are not eligible to access statutory services and to enhance the life of the city – not to be part of the “nanny state”, as suggested by Mr Charlesworth.

I do not believe we cause people to abdicate responsibility, but that we raise awareness of common issues and support people to engage in the democratic processes for change.

At Older Citizens Advocacy York, one of our main aims is for people 50-plus to feel powerful and socially included through advocacy. Advocacy is not about telling people what to do, or how to live their lives, but about tackling their issues themselves (albeit with support) and taking control of their own lives and sharing their knowledge with others in similar situations.

Mr Charlesworth concludes organisations such as ours are “strangling local initiative”. I say, on the contrary, we are nurturing and encouraging people to be active citizens.

Linda Tester, Advocacy service manager, Older Citizens Advocacy York, Townend Street, York.