We are delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new research group, which will support the development of Re-engage’s services in the future, helping support even more older people experiencing loneliness or isolation.

On 18 July, we welcomed members to the inaugural meeting of the group, formed of people aged 75 and over who are actively involved in our services.

The launch of this group is part of our ongoing commitment to reviewing, refining and improving the services we offer through consultation and co-production with older people, volunteers, referrers and other charities and organisations with a similar focus to Re-engage.

The launch meeting was a chance for members to learn more about one another, and for the Re-engage impact team to introduce themselves and explain more about the initiative.

Re-engage head of impact, Jess Doyle, said: “We’re proud to launch this exciting group and are grateful to everyone involved for giving their time and energy to help us understand the impact of our work. It will really help us explore ways to improve what we do, for the benefit of older people across the UK living with loneliness.”

During the session, group members were introduced to insights from the recent Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIAB) study, which focuses on how to engage with more isolated or lonely older men in the UK.

Jess added: “The group put forward some insightful and creative suggestions around how we can engage more men in our services. These will be reviewed, and some will be implemented into our core services over the coming months.”

If you are interested in joining the Re-engage research group, please contact the impact team at impact@reengage.org.uk for more information.