What do you think Re-engage means to the older people who use our services?

Is it having something to look forward to? The chance to enjoy a laugh with other people? The opportunity to make new friends? 

Is it knowing there’s a volunteer who remembers their name and looks forward to speaking with them?

These are all things that older people have told us they value about the tea party or social group they go to, or the phone calls they have with a Re-engage volunteer.

Gordon, who’s 90, described his Re-engage Call Companion volunteer as: “my only real contact with the world apart from shopping. I rate him as a Good Samaritan; kind, supportive, very empathetic, totally reliable.”

It’s always heartwarming to hear how much older people cherish interactions with Re-engage volunteers, which we hear can sometimes be the only meaningful interaction they have for days.

Yet, there are still too many older people who don’t get to enjoy the company of others in the same way, and feel the world is moving on without them.

Perhaps loved ones have died or health declines, maybe there are fewer opportunities to socialise, and not as many people to remember their name.

They’re waiting to hear a friendly voice at the end of a phone or join a group where a Re-engage volunteer takes the time to ask about their day, really listens to the answer, and looks forward to hearing their stories.

That’s why we’d like to ask you to consider donating to our Christmas appeal. If you can do so, your donation will be matched by another generous donor to make twice the difference.

This winter, we aim to find at least 474 new Re-engage volunteer Call Companions, to bring much-needed company for older people.

On average it costs £39 to recruit and train a new Call Companion. If you can donate today, your gift will be doubled, meaning you could actually help us to find not one but TWO new volunteers to talk regularly with an older person on the phone.

You might be surprised by how much is involved in finding the right people to volunteer. Your donation could help Re-engage to:

• Spread the word so people know we are looking for Call Companions, and why this volunteer role is so important for so many older people.
• Provide training and support for more Call Companion volunteers, especially for the first few calls as they get to know the person they’re matched with.
• Cover the costs of the secure telephone system Call Companions use to contact older people. This keeps everyone’s phone numbers private and helps us to safeguard people.

Right now, many more people are still waiting for a Call Companion, and we must find more volunteers to speak with them on a regular basis. The funds raised by our Christmas appeal are essential to help close this gap.

This is especially important during the winter months, because we know how hard this time of year can be for so many older people. 

Can you help today by donating to our Christmas appeal?

A donation of £39, doubled to £78, could help find two more Call Companions and help brighten the days for two more people who are still waiting for company.

Your generosity could be the difference between an older person having something to look forward to, someone friendly to chat and laugh with, or continuing to feel alone this Christmas.