As we celebrate LGBT+ History Month, we're highlighting the importance of our Rainbow Call Companion service with support from doctor and TV presenter, Ranj Singh and actor, Miriam Margolyes. 

Estimates suggest there are over 10,000 isolated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the UK aged 65 plus, and we want to help them in their later years by encouraging them to join our award-winning call befriending service.  

Dr Ranj said: “Loneliness is difficult at any stage of life, but in later age it’s particularly isolating and even detrimental to your health. Safe and inclusive befriending services such as this aren’t just welcome, but essential. In a world where not everyone has others they can rely on, I’m glad Re-Engage exists.”   

And Miriam, 84, said: “When you feel lonely or depressed because you’ve just lost a partner you can call Re-engage to reach a kind, fellow spirit. People like us who are old and often lonely never need be lonely again.”

The service has around 70 older LGBT people who receive a regular call but we are looking to welcome more. We have many volunteers who themselves are LGBT+ waiting to give their support.

Re-engage CEO, Jenny Willott, said: “We know that many older LGBT+ people feel they have been exiled from their communities and although they may want to join social groups are afraid to be open about their gender. Unfortunately, they often take the view that they are paying the price for their sexuality.

“Our Rainbow Call Companion service offers a safe, supportive space where they can talk openly with someone who understands. A weekly call can transform feelings of isolation into a sense of belonging and we want more people to experience this vital connection. We don’t want them to be a lost generation."

Rainbow Call Companions was launched nearly three years ago and has won a coveted National Advisor for LGBT Health Award for ‘outstanding work'.

Gordon, 89, lives alone and often goes weeks without seeing anyone. He has had calls from a Rainbow Call Companion volunteer for two years.   

“They are tremendously helpful and very important to me,” he said. “I really enjoy them and always look forward to them.   

“Sometimes the calls go on for more than an hour. With my isolation it’s something special just to be able to talk to someone.”   

 Rainbow Call Companion participant Derek, 90, said: “When you get to a certain age you are just overlooked. You feel like an outcast. I don’t see anyone. My only real contact is with Jules who calls me regularly and we have good conversations. Otherwise, I feel my generation has been lost. We’re simply ignored.”   

Brian, 86, who has been isolated since losing his partner of 47 years, joined the call befriending service in 2022: “It’s a great opportunity to be able to talk to someone who is gay and who understands exactly what I’m talking about,” he said. “I look forward to the calls and feel much better after them. When we finish, I always have a smile on my face.”