Following the success of our call companions and rainbow call companions telephone befriending services, in 2022 we launched Re-engage call companions partnered with Parkinson’s UK which is a free telephone befriending service for older people living with and caring for someone with Parkinson’s.

The service is for people aged 60 and over who would benefit from a regular chat over the phone with a friendly volunteer.

If you’d like to know more and your questions aren’t addressed below, please email the Re-engage team at knowledge@reengage.org.uk for more information.

1. Can I be a Re-engage call companion partnered with Parkinson’s UK and a call companion?

Absolutely, if you're happy to be matched with more than one older person.

2. Why are you launching a Re-engage partnered with Parkinson’s UK call companions service?

Older people living with Parkinson's are especially vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. As Parkinson's disease progresses, a gradual loss of movement and impaired balance make social interaction a daily challenge. Depression, memory loss and sleep problems are common. Their carers can feel isolated and cut off from the world too.

Our call companions service is for people who are living in social isolation and experiencing loneliness - and that can include many people affected by Parkinson's, including carers. A call companion is someone who they can talk to on a regular basis; a vital connection with the outside world when they feel that their social circles are diminishing.

3. The older person I speak with doesn’t seem to like talking about living with Parkinson’s.

Please look at our training. Whilst this service is specifically for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers, the topic of conversation does not need to be about Parkinson’s. You can chat about whatever the person is happy to talk about.

4. Can I be a call companion for the Re-engage call companion partnered with Parkinson’s UK service if I do not have any experience of Parkinson’s?

Yes, if you're happy to be matched with an older person living with Parkinson’s or a carer of someone living with Parkinson’s. Our training will provide you with all the information and support that you need to confidently start making call companion calls.