dewis choice initiative

Designed by older people, for older people.

Dewis Choice is the first dedicated older people’s Initiative. The Initiative is unique, comprising service and research strands.

What is the dewis choice initiative?

The service focusses on providing client-led informed choice during all stages of the help-seeking and justice-seeking journey, during crisis incidents, safety planning and recovery. We prioritise a co-ordinated community response and our service is embedded into safeguarding structures within the communities we work in within Wales. We provide intensive support for people aged 60 years and over, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, and those living with dementia. We aim to also to support family members and families of choice, where it is safe to do so. When appropriate we will work with harmers or alleged perpetrators. 

How is the Dewis Choice service delivered?

We are the first service to integrate safeguarding and domestic abuse procedures for older victims, following recommendations in our earlier research. In line with the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014, the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act 2015 and the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act 2015 the Dewis Choice Service integrates justice with wellbeing and support. Many of our clients require an integrated response, incorporating civil, criminal, and occasionally restorative elements.

The service model has continuously developed to reflect the feedback from older clients and to ensure we deliver a client-led service.

The service personnel compromises of Choice Support Workers who are Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor trained , accredited Choice Wellbeing Practitioners, and a Service Development Lead and Trainer.

professional road racing cyclist, helmet, bike race

How does the research link in?

The research involves a longitudinal prospective study capturing the voices of our clients who volunteer to share their journey and their experience of services with us. The rich in-depth data has helped to inform our publications, training, guidance and the development of short films, podcasts, and practitioner toolkits. We have also sought the views of practitioners, communities and academics through individual interviews or focus groups, online and face-to-face.   

The diagram below outlines how the research and service elements run in parallel to each other and aim to provide a guide to the pathway. 

Centre For Age Gender and Social Justice