There are 5.4m people aged 75 and over in the UK and with an ageing population, that number is set to grow. At Re-engage, we work with the oldest old while some other charities work with people under 75. The majority of our referrals are for those aged 75+, however we look at every application on a case by case basis

Our tea parties and the call companion service are primarily aimed at those older people who are 75+ who are lonely, isolated or in need of companionship.

Loneliness is of course subjective, and if someone feels like they would benefit from more interaction, through either of our services, we look at each application on a case by case basis.

No. All Re-engage services are currently free of charge for older people. However, donations are always appreciated.

If you would like to make a donation, you can donate on our website. If you don't have access to the internet, you can post a cheque to Re-engage, 7 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JR.

Older people can apply to join the service on their own behalf or be referred by their family, friends or other referring agencies such as health professionals, other charities etc.

If you know someone who would be interested in joining the call companion service, you can refer them (with their permission) by completing our online referral form.

We understand. Many of our older people first found the concept of speaking to a stranger daunting but soon became comfortable. Our volunteers are excellent at putting our older people at ease quickly and we try where possible to match up volunteers and older people, taking into account common interests and hobbies etc.

We suggest having a chat with the person you would like to refer and giving them as much information about the service as possible. We have lots of information available on our website about joining the call companion service.

We also have a PDF leaflet you can download to give to the older person: Call companions leaflet. If you have any further questions, please email knowledge@reengage.org.uk or call us on 020 7240 0630.

Yes we do. We have a PDF you can download. Please follow this link: Call companions leaflet.

We do not expect you to ask anything that you would not normally ask an older person as part of your role, however if you know that someone is a member of the LGBT+ community and that they would benefit from having a LGBT+ call companion, please refer them to this service. If you are unsure, you can refer them to our call companions service.