SCORE: locally led change for older people

Strengthening civil society for older people’s rights and engagement

SCORE is a global programme supporting civil society organisations to become stronger, more influential and better connected so they can advance older people’s rights, challenge ageism and ensure older people’s voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives.

Working through locally led organisations across eight countries, SCORE strengthens leadership, advocacy and collective action to build a fairer, more inclusive world for older people.

Why SCORE matters

Across many countries, older people face ageism, exclusion from decision-making and barriers to accessing their rights. Civil society organisations play a vital role in addressing these challenges by amplifying older people’s voices and promoting more inclusive policies and practices.

Yet many organisations face limited resources and increasing pressures from shrinking civic space, humanitarian crises, conflict and climate change.

Through SCORE, HelpAge network members are strengthening organisational capacity, building leadership and advocacy skills, and fostering collaboration across countries and regions.

Where SCORE works and who is involved

SCORE is delivered through HelpAge network members in eight countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Together, they are strengthening civil society leadership, influencing policies and creating more opportunities for older people to shape decisions that affect their lives.

SCORE is an opportunity for us to strengthen our work with and for older people. With this support, we can build stronger connections across the HelpAge network, advocate more effectively, and ensure that older people’s voices are heard at every level.

Smart Daniel, Executive Director, HelpAge Tanzania

SCORE gave me a space to speak about the struggles older women like me face every day: poor access to healthcare, financial insecurity and feeling overlooked. Sometimes we do not need immediate solutions; what matters most is that someone listens, understands and includes us.

Ms. Sumaira, 79, Pakistan

What SCORE does

SCORE supports organisations to:

  • strengthen governance, leadership and organisational effectiveness
  • improve advocacy and influencing skills at local, national and global levels
  • challenge ageism and promote the rights, dignity and inclusion of older people
  • build stronger connections and collaboration across civil society
  • increase the meaningful participation of older people in decision-making processes
  • generate and share learning, evidence and good practice across countries and regions

Stay connected

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SCORE programme is supported by Sweden and implemented by HelpAge global network.