Later this year Advocare reaches another time milestone and leading up to it, we’ll be taking time to reflect on our journey and catch up with some of the people who have contributed along the way to our 30 years. The first in our series is Maureen Helen, Advocare’s first leader.
Can you believe almost 30 years ago, Advocare began with a vision, and the determination to stand up for the rights of older people.
Recently, that story came full circle when Wendy, one of Advocare’s current advocates, sat down with Maureen Helen, one of the original founders of Advocare, to reflect on where it all began and how far it has come.
The two shared stories of advocacy in practice, quickly finding that while systems and structures have evolved over three decades, the heart of their work remains the same.
Maureen’s journey started in 1996 after she came across a tender in the newspaper and felt compelled to apply.
“I just thought, that job’s got my name on it,” she said.
With just a social work student by her side, Maureen built Advocare from the ground up. What began as a small, two-person operation quickly grew into a service supporting older Western Australians to have their voices heard.
“We didn’t really know what we were doing,” she laughed, “but we bumbled our way through and did a very good job.”
With a background in nursing, midwifery and marriage counselling, Maureen’s approach to her advocacy work was grounded in respect and understanding from the very beginning.
“If you can resolve something at the lowest level, without conflict, you have already won,” she said.
“Most people just want to be heard.”
Over the years, Maureen played a key role in shaping aged care advocacy in Western Australia, including identifying the need for greater awareness and support around elder abuse long before it became widely recognised.
While these milestones were significant, it is the smaller, personal moments that have stayed with her.
Helping an older man in aged care simply enjoy the meal he loved. Supporting someone to regain independence after being placed in care. Ensuring people felt listened to and respected.
“These small wins matter,” she said.
Today, after a sudden health event, Maureen is living in a residential aged care home herself. Her perspective remains as strong and thoughtful as ever.
“This is just another life change,” she said. “Like all the others we go through. You learn, you adapt, and you keep going.”
Pictured left to right: Maureen Helen with Advocare Advocate, Wendy Bennett
