Who are Re-engage?
Re-engage are a charity focussed on providing support and companionship for vulnerable older people. Loneliness and social isolation can have an immense effect on our physical health as well as our mental health, which is why Re-engage are dedicated to helping older people living alone to reconnect with their communities.
What do Re-engage do?
Re-engage host regular social groups across the UK —often in the form of tea parties— where friendships are encouraged to blossom. All transport and food for these events are provided by Re-engage volunteers so that all those looking for a friend have to do, is show up and have fun! As a direct result of the pandemic, Re-engage also launched a call companion programme that allowed those isolated in their homes a chance to reconnect with the outside world over the phone. Once matched with an individual with similar hobbies or interests where possible, volunteers set up regular calls with their companion to provide connection and comfort to those living alone.
As well as tea parties and call companions, Re-engage also provide activity groups for older people to meet up and get active. This programme has been a huge success in Wales and online groups in West Yorkshire are on their way soon! These sessions are a great way for older people to enjoy staying fit and healthy, all while making lasting connections.
How did they get started?
One act of kindness back in 1965 has now turned into a national charity thanks to founder Trevor Lyttleton. Disheartened by the living conditions of a neighbour, Trevor and friends decided to reach out to a small group of people in their community and offer support and companionship. Since then, the charity has undergone a rebrand in order to drive their vision forward and continue to provide their amazing support to a wider range of people. Last year alone, Re-engage helped almost 8000 lonely and isolated older people.
How can you get involved?
If you’re keen to get involved with the amazing work that Re-engage are doing, there are plenty of ways you can help. As well as monetary donations and great fundraising opportunities, Re-engage also have a variety of volunteer roles that you can sign up for. From tea party volunteers to call companions, volunteers are always needed to help reduce loneliness and isolation in the older generation. Check out their full range of opportunities here.
As well as volunteering yourself, if there’s someone you know that can benefit from Re-engage’s services, you can also refer an older person via their website here.
Thank you Re-Engage!
We want to say a huge thank you to Re-engage for all their amazing work and give a big shout out to Sadie who helped to make the most out of our donation as well as provide amazing insight into Re-engage’s services. Nobody likes feeling alone, so it’s important that we all do our best to reach out to one another and do our best to support those around us. Thanks to Re-engage, older people who use their services are forming lasting friendships and finding something to look forward to. Thank you to Re-engage!
