May saw the first in a series of special events being held to mark 60 years of Re-engage – the group in Royal Wootton Bassett threw a celebration in recognition not only of six decades of our work reducing loneliness in later life, but their own 50th birthday. I’m sure you’ll join me in congratulating everyone involved in the group, volunteers, guests and supporters alike, on their golden anniversary, and wishing them many more years of memorable moments.

As an active participant in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) social connection forum, we welcome news that the WHO adopted a landmark resolution recognising that social connection is an urgent public health priority. The resolution highlights the mounting evidence showing social connection’s essential role in shaping the health and wellbeing of people of all ages, across the world. The WHO is due to publish a report in late June which is regarded as a major milestone, offering findings and recommendations for global, national, and local action on tackling loneliness. 

Every year, we survey all volunteers, service users and referrers, to discover their thoughts and feelings about Re-engage. We use the valuable data we collect to understand what’s working well, and where we can improve what we do; I’d like to personally thank everyone who took time to contribute to this year’s survey – we'll be sharing the results in e-news, online and across our social channels soon.

In June, during Volunteers’ Week, we’re taking the opportunity to thank everyone who pours their heart and soul into delivering loneliness-busting services for us – we're grateful for everything our volunteers do to address the challenges of loneliness and bring connection, community and companionship to older people across the UK. During Volunteers’ Week, we’re encouraging people to sign up as a Re-engage Call Companion, to help us reach even more people through the simple art of conversation.

Straight after Volunteers’ Week, we move into Loneliness Awareness Week, which this year is focusing on reducing the stigma around loneliness. The week is a key moment in our calendar when we work with fellow charities like The Marmalade Trust to shine a light into the darker corners of loneliness, encouraging reflection, conversation and action.

As June is Pride month, it gives us the perfect opportunity to focus attention on our Rainbow Call Companion service for people who identify as LGBT+. I’d like to share these words from one of our service users, which perfectly sums up why the finding the right volunteer is vital to the success of Rainbow Call Companions: “The nice thing is that we have so much in common - I think if we had ever met, we would have been friends. I believe my mental health has improved since I have been receiving my weekly call, it’s good to talk to someone who understands me." If you have an older family member or friend who identifies as LGBT+, please do consider telling them about Rainbow Call Companions – we'd love to welcome them!