As you get older it’s not unusual to spend more time on your own, particularly if you’ve lost loved ones or your health isn’t what it used to be.

Following the success of our call companions service, we launched rainbow call companions: a free telephone befriending service for LGBT+ people who are lonely, isolated or in need of companionship and feel they would benefit from a friendly phone call every week or two. This is a service specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender plus (LGBT+) people aged 75+ who would like to speak to someone who’s also LGBT+. 

Calls last for half an hour or so and you can chat about anything that interests you. What's great is that the same volunteer phones you every time, so you can get to know each other and share stories and laughter – for as long as you both want.

Rainbow call companions has been awarded by the NHS National Advisor for LGBT Health award (2022), which recognises outstanding work by individuals and groups across the NHS and VCSE sector to improve the experience of LGBT+ patients and the LGBT+ workforce and shine a light on examples of best practice.

“This work takes courage and persistence and I am really grateful for your efforts which, I have no doubt, will have benefitted LGBT individuals greatly.”
Dr Michael Brady FRCP (he/him), National Advisor for LGBT Health, NHS England

Re-engage were pleased to welcome older people from Opening Doors’ befriending services when they closed in March 2024. We will continue to help the legacy of Opening Doors live on by supporting older lonely or isolated LGBT+ people through our rainbow call companions service.