SAGE Advocacy publishes statement of strategy
Sage Advocacy, the National Advocacy Service for Older People, is anticipating a significant rise in demand for its services over the next three years and is calling on the new Government to support its necessary expansion.
In its newly launched Statement of Strategy 2025-2027, titled The Next Stage, Sage Advocacy projects an annual growth of up to 40% in demand. To meet this need, the organisation states that its funding must increase from €3.4 million in 2024 to €8.9 million by 2027, with staffing levels rising from 45 to 100.
Sage Advocacy supports vulnerable adults and healthcare patients. CEO Bibiana Savin emphasised the necessity of additional funding to meet projected demands, citing consistent increases in recent years. The organisation forecasts a 40% annual rise in information and support calls and a 30% annual increase in independent advocacy cases.
Of particular note, Bibiana Savin concluded by emphasising the importance of addressing the demands created by progressive legislation, such as the Assisted Decision-making Act, with adequate resources. She noted that Sage has stretched its capacity to the limit and cannot extend further without additional support.
With a continuing insistence by certain Circuit Courts that an independent advocate is appointed when an application is being made seeking the appointment of Decision-Making Representatives, increased staffing is to be welcomed to ensure Court applications are not delayed.