Volunteering often goes unseen, the hours spent supporting great causes undocumented, yet the impact is remarkable; people who give their time generously to help others are often those who make the biggest difference.

Here at Re-engage, we don’t take volunteers for granted; we see you and we hear you. We appreciate every minute you spend helping reduce loneliness for older people. And that’s why once again we’re holding our annual volunteer awards – to say a big thank you and to recognise all that you do.

This is your chance to nominate a Re-engage volunteer from anywhere in the UK. Do you know a call companion whose listening ear has been just what an older person needed? Is there an activity group volunteer who helps older people meet, mingle and move more? How about a tea party volunteer whose hospitality spreads warmth and joy? Please use our quick and easy online form to nominate as many volunteers as you like – the lucky winners will be treated to a short B&B break. The closing date for nominations is 17 May and winners will be announced during Volunteers’ Week in June.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Re-engage Matters, and as always, if you'd like to get in touch with the team, please drop us a line.

With very best wishes,

Sally
head of service delivery

Volunteer awards are open!

It’s that time of year when we shine a spotlight on the people who make all that we do at Re-engage possible – volunteers. We’re inviting you to nominate any volunteer who you feel goes above and beyond to help reduce loneliness for older people. Closing date for nominations is 17 May and you can make as many nominations as you like. 

Because a good chat means the world

It’s been over a year since we started using a telephone platform to connect call companion calls. If you’re trying to make a call companion call and the call isn’t connecting, please check you’re calling from the same phone number you entered on your volunteer application form. If you’ve changed your phone number, you can still make call companion calls, but you’ll need to let us know so we can update our systems. If you’ve any questions, have changed your phone number, or if you’re unable to make your call companion calls, please email knowledge@reengage.org.uk or call 020 7240 0630.

Scams and fraud

Please take a moment to refresh your knowledge of scams and frauds by reading our short guide.

Thank you for completing our survey

We’re grateful to everyone who completed our annual survey, and to those who supported older people and fellow volunteers to take part. We’re busy collating data from the surveys and will share our findings with you soon. This important piece of work will help us shape future services as we continue to reduce loneliness for older people. 

Topping up the pot

Last month we reminded you about tea party group funds, what they can be spent on, how a claim can be made, and why it’s important that they’re spent. Now, we’d like to share the great news that as of 1 April, 100% of tea party group funds received by Re-engage will be given to tea party groups (up by 10%). Please take a moment to read our recently updated FAQs for all you need to know about tea party group funds.

Share your story

The most effective way to help us spread the word about the impact of volunteering in reducing loneliness is by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear about why you became a volunteer, your most memorable moment, and the experiences you've had along the way. Drop our comms team a line today if you'd like to share your story.

The value of volunteering

We regularly ask older people what Re-engage means to them. Each month, we’ll share some feedback so you can see the impact your time, energy, and generosity have on older people’s lives all year round.