In the days since we launched our Care on Hold campaign report, the national media has been littered with articles that reflect our findings which revealed older people are finding it increasingly difficult to secure a GP appointment due to changes in booking systems that favour a digital-first approach. When we invited people who use our services to share their experiences of accessing their GP, we received a record number of responses and countless stories about how difficult they were finding it. It became clear that this issue is important to older people, and our campaign was born.

We’ll be sharing with you ways to get involved over the next few months, from emailing your MP, to sharing our social media posts, and helping us spread the word about our campaign. Ultimately, we want older people’s voices to be heard and involved in decision-making from the start, so services and processes are as accessible as possible.

The recent Shorenstein report, from Harvard University, which explores the UK’s strong history of tackling loneliness, is a timely reminder that it remains a significant challenge for many people, particularly older people who face barriers to social connection. At Re-engage, we recognise the concerns raised about the need for sustained momentum and welcome the renewed focus that the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Tackling Loneliness and Connected Communities is bringing to this agenda.

Daily, we see the impact that meaningful social connections have on older people’s wellbeing. Our most recent data shows that eight out of 10 older people say joining a Re-engage service has had a positive impact on their lives. Our services continue to be in demand, and our volunteers are deeply committed to supporting those who would otherwise be isolated.

We are proud to share our experience with the APPG and partners across the sector to help shape the next phase of national loneliness action. The Shorenstein report highlights the need for sustained relationship-based support. Our decades of insight and experience gives us unique insights into what works and shows that when older people are given regular opportunities to connect, the benefits are significant for them and the community around them. Re-engage has maintained a stable, national infrastructure for tackling loneliness among older people and proves what sustained, relationship-based support can achieve.

The ways in which loneliness is measured need to be improved, and we are working with partners to assess existing screening practices and see where changes can be made. We look forward to collaborating with policymakers, researchers, and community organisations to ensure that tackling loneliness remains a national priority, learning from our research and insights to shape our work.

If you’d like to be involved in our campaigning and influencing work, look out for emails in the coming months with opportunities to help us continue our mission to reduce loneliness in later life across the UK.