Loneliness and social isolation in older people are not just personal struggles, they are public health issues – influenced by health, housing, transport, digital access, and community services.
Here at Re-engage, we are interested in tackling loneliness and social isolation in a holistic way - providing individual support for beneficiaries of our charity, and promoting lasting change for all older people through the policies that shape our society.
The team – who are we?
David Heap – Policy and Consultancy Manager
Dave is an experienced policy and campaigns specialist with over 25 years of experience in the charity and public sectors, with a focus on disability rights, inclusive service design and supporting marginalised communities.
Throughout his career, Dave has led regional and national initiatives to improve health, education, and social care outcomes for disabled and older people, and has worked closely with local authorities, government departments and Parliament to shape meaningful change.
Dave brings his deep knowledge of public policy, stakeholder engagement and service transformation to Re-engage, helping us launch into the world of policy and make real world change.
Sabrina Blighe – Policy and Impact Officer
Sabrina is a passionate policy and impact specialist who joined Re-engage in 2023, initially working in evaluation before stepping into her current policy role in 2024. With a first-class degree in Psychology from Cardiff University and professional experience as an assistant psychologist and support worker, she brings a strong background in mental health and disability. Sabrina has led consultations with older people, volunteers, and staff to ensure that the voices of those at the heart of our work shape our direction. She is driven by a commitment to meaningful change and brings a deep understanding of person-centred practice, inclusion, and evidence-based approaches to our policy and influencing work at Re-engage.