Fighting Loneliness - ReEngage Charity with Esther-Lynne

The Borderline Podcast

Summary Esther Lynn, Engagement Officer for the charity Re-engage, discusses their work supporting older people facing social isolation and loneliness. They offer various activities and companionship services facilitated by volunteers. The charity started in 1965 and has grown to support over 8,500 older people with the help of 9,000 volunteers. Esther emphasizes the importance of simple conversations and the impact they can have. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated loneliness among the elderly, and Re-engage adapted by offering telephone befriending services. They also launched a Rainbow Call Companionship Service specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. The charity's activity groups provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement. Volunteers find the experience rewarding, and the charity also educates them on spotting signs of fraud and scams. Reengage aims to combat loneliness among the elderly by providing social connections and support. Loneliness can have physical and mental health effects, reducing lifespan and leading to depression and hopelessness. Reengage offers easy steps for people to reengage with their communities and combat loneliness. Volunteers are trained to recognize signs of loneliness and provide support, although they are not mental health specialists. Donations are important for funding the organization, but volunteering time is equally valuable. Volunteering can be as simple as a half-hour phone call or hosting a tea party. Reengage aims to destigmatize mental health and empower older people to have a voice and be part of the community. To learn more about Reenage please follow: https://www.reengage.org.uk/volunteer/new-volunteers/apply/ To Learn about receiving support please follow: https://www.reengage.org.uk/refer/form/