With major elections taking place across Great Britain on 7 May 2026, Later Life Ambitions, has produced a practical toolkit to help members and supporters ensure the voices of people in later life are heard. 

Covering elections to the Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru and many local authorities across England, the guide explains why these elections matter and how decisions taken at devolved and local levels directly affect issues such as social care, housing, transport and local services.

The toolkit provides straightforward advice on how to engage with local candidates, including how to find out who is standing for election, how to write to them, arrange meetings or attend local events, and the key questions to ask about support for people in later life.

It also outlines the priorities set out in LLA’s Budget for Later Life and includes ready-to-use template letters to help members raise these issues with candidates.

Engagement doesn’t stop once the votes are counted. Recognising this, the toolkit also provides template letters for contacting winning candidates after the election. This helps members establish early contact, reinforce priorities, and hold elected representatives to account from the outset.

In addition, the guide offers practical advice on engaging with the press, along with social media tips for those who want to raise awareness online and contribute to wider public debate.

Together, these resources are designed to make it easier for supporters to speak up, influence debate and help secure a fairer future for older people across the country.

You can download the toolkit here.