Over the summer and into the autumn, our policy work has continued to focus on making sure the voices and experiences of older people are heard by decision-makers.

Thanks to the support of volunteers, activity groups and colleagues across Re-engage, we were delighted to welcome two MPs to Re-engage activity groups over the summer. Kate Dearden MP joined our Halifax group, where she took part in chair yoga, and Tom Morrison MP visited our Bramhall group, where he met with Dave, our Policy and Consultancy Manager, and spent time speaking with members of the group. The visit was a great opportunity for older people to share their experiences directly, and we were delighted when Tom offered to submit 10 written parliamentary questions on our behalf.

In September, our policy team attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Tackling Loneliness and Connected Communities mid-inquiry consultation at the House of Commons.

The session brought together people from health, housing, local government, academia, charities, community organisations, business, arts and culture, as well as people with lived experience. They took part in breakout discussions and helped represent the views of older people across four key themes: places and spaces, communities and belonging, systems and structures, and priorities for change.

The team also submitted evidence to Intergenerational England’s call for evidence, highlighting examples from Re-engage of intergenerational initiatives that have helped reduce loneliness and strengthen community connection. The evidence shared through this process, alongside the APPG consultation discussions, will help inform the final APPG report, which is expected to be sent to government in March 2027.

Following the launch of our Care on Hold campaign, one of our volunteers, Emma Lewell MP, has offered to host a parliamentary drop-in in November. This will give us an important opportunity to highlight the work of Re-engage and the issues and recommendations from our report with MPs who attend.

The Re-engage research group have also been busy conducting interviews with their peers to gather examples of positive practice. This evidence will help strengthen the Care on Hold campaign by showing what good support looks like in practice.

Every conversation, and piece of evidence helps us raise awareness of the experiences of older people and the vital role Re-engage volunteers play in creating connection.