Bringing more moments of joy to more older people

We all want to feel like we matter to someone, however old we are. When you’re getting older, and it feels like your world is getting smaller, the chance for a good old natter over a cup of tea or a catch up on the phone can make the world of difference – letting you know that someone cares and providing something to look forward to.

While our amazing volunteers do so much to make sure Re-engage social gatherings go ahead each month, or make themselves available for a phone call every week, and ensure our services remain free for every older person to enjoy them, there is much that goes on behind the scenes that still requires funding to make our services available to as many older people as possible.

The Big Give is our biggest fundraising campaign of the year, raising vital funds to recruit and train new volunteers, carry out identity checks, provide insurance, safeguarding advice and support that gives volunteers the reassurance that they have back up and older people the peace of mind that they are in good hands. Additionally, thousands more older people could benefit from our services if we had enough spaces available for them. Money raised during the Big Give will help to find more volunteers, advertise our services to more older people, and set up new groups to provide more moments of joy and connection for even more older people across the UK.

We love to hear about the fun and laughter enjoyed by our groups, the companionship found through Call Companions, and the incredible difference a regular catch up can make for an older person’s confidence and wellbeing. But we hate to think of all the older people still waiting for the opportunity to feel part of something again, to know that their world doesn’t have to get smaller just because they’re getting older.

Between 2 and 9 December this year, we aim to raise £90,000, which will be doubled to £180,000 thanks to the Big Give, and could make an enormous difference as we work to reduce loneliness in later life. Over the next few months we’ll be sharing more about how to get involved and hope you will join us to let more older people know they’re not forgotten.