Age Friendly Space Model Evaluation

TERMES OF REFERENCE
Age Friendly Space Model Evaluation
15 December, 2015

HelpAge is the only INGO focusing specifically on the needs of older people. We recognize that older people are an important minority with specific needs in terms of protection, healthcare and livelihoods.
HelpAge began working in the Gaza strip in January 2009 to support older people affected by the ongoing crisis and the conflict called Operation Cast Lead that took place in December 2008 - January 2009.
In the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), older people’s greatest needs are security and safety. The prolonged lack of safe places has led to a sense of fear and anxiety, and to the deterioration of older people’s physical and psychosocial wellbeing.
Recognising the absence of a place for older people to receive adequate support, as well as the lack of opportunities for them to participate in social and educational activities and events, HelpAge, together with its affiliate El Wedad and its partner the Youth Empowerment Center (YEC) established two Age-Friendly Spaces (AFS) one in the Beit Hanoun and one in Gaza city (near Shatee Camp). The  aim to improve older people’s psychosocial wellbeing, to stimulate their role in the community, and to motivate the community and the authorities to fulfil their duties towards older people. Each AFS can host 50 to 70 older people on a daily basis, but very often more than 120 people visit the spaces each day.
At the AFS, various technical specialists provide specific and adequate psychosocial support, healthcare, and legal counselling. Each AFS has also been equipped with essential tools and equipment required for a variety of activities, such as kitchen sets, sports and exercise equipment, health support, TV, newspapers and books, and games.
The purpose of the ASF is to ensure a safe, inclusive and protective environment for older people and people with disabilities, and these groups play a full role in community-level protection action.
The AFSs are places that work as:

-A protection framework where older people can meet to share experiences, discuss challenges, and help each other to solve problems, and combat exclusion and discrimination. This forum provides a strong psychological support mechanism through also providing group counseling sessions. It also reduces feelings of isolation, and provides somewhere for older people to shelter for older people living in temporary shelters or tents in Gaza.
-An advocacy tool where older people can debate with the community to help them reflect on what is lacking within the community to ensure protection and inclusion of older people. The AFS brings older people together so they can advocate for legislation to protect their rights and thus draws community attention to older people. Trainings organized included participation of community leaders and hence are important mechanisms for raising awareness amongst the community of the needs, rights, challenges, and roles that older people play.

HelpAge wants to assess the current two Age Friendly Spaces “safe and friendly spaces”   in Gaza City and Beit Hanoun as emergency and post emergency models, to identify the safety and security needs of older people and other vulnerable groups and ensure they are addressed in programming,

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How to apply
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter with subject line:  AFS evaluation consultancy, CV, technical and financial offer to

[email protected]

by December 22, 2015

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