I’d like to share some powerful words from one of our volunteers. They came via our recent annual survey and struck a chord with me. To me, they capture why we exist and why it’s so important to keep finding new ways to reduce loneliness.

“You really do feel as though you are part of something tangible. It's almost like you are taking a stand against people who are quite happy to perpetuate ageism. I know some of the older people I have spoken to have said the same, that they actually feel empowered and listened to by your staff and volunteers.

“It's humbling to play a very small role in this and it's such a pleasure to interact with my Call Companion, as well as the lovely staff and volunteers who find their way to Re-engage. I hope society finds a way to fully rise above ageism while finding even more solutions to directly tackle loneliness and isolation in older generations. Re-engage will be playing no small part in that, and I feel it is an honour and a duty to continue to be there for the journey.” 

This isn’t just something our volunteers see. Recently, actor and comedian Dawn French spoke on the radio about loneliness, sharing her personal experience.

She talked about watching her mum experience loneliness later in life. After retiring at 75, following decades of caring for others, her mum struggled with a loss of identity; she no longer knew who she was or where she belonged. Dawn’s honesty is powerful. It reminded us that loneliness can affect anyone, at any stage, and can have many causes.

At Re-engage, we’re always grateful when people with a public platform speak about loneliness. It helps bring attention to an issue that many people will face at some point in their lives but which is all too often invisible. The more we talk about loneliness, the better we understand where it begins, the more clearly we see how it develops and the more effectively we can respond. It’s something we can all play a part in - as individuals, families, friends, and organisations.

Loneliness isn’t inevitable; by continuing to talk about it, challenging ageism, and connecting with one another, we can make a real difference.

Let’s keep talking about loneliness.