Older People's Strategy - Newcastle City Council

49Other specialist services are also needed to meet the needsof particular groups. Specialist advocacy services are beingprovided to meet the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act2005 but this still leaves a significant gap in citizen advocacyand advocacy services for older people.The quality of written information is also key to ensuring thatolder people can easily understand what services are availableand how to access them. The Elders Council Readers Groupprovides a service to agencies by commenting on informationleaflets from the perspective of older people.Actions Continue the development of Information NOW as a keyinformation resource for older people. Develop a network of agencies which use Information NOWas a resource and provide information to keep it up to date. Incorporate Information NOW into older people’s IT trainingcourses (e.g. Age Concern Newcastle; Newcastle Societyfor Blind People). Develop the skills of front-line staff and older people assign-posters. Develop strong links with community workers and networksfrom the black and minority ethnic communities and faithcommunities to improve information/communication withthese communities. Develop information hubs in community settings e.g. libraries;community centres.