#7. How monthly tea parties are making life less lonely for thousands of older people, with Re-engage

On this episode I am joined by Meryl Davies, Chief Executive Officer at Re-engage, a charity aimed at tackling the huge and growing issue of loneliness in later life. More than 2 million people in the UK over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say that they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Re-engage is working to make life less lonely for thousands of older people every year. They organise monthly tea parties to people aged 75 and over, as well as running a telephone befriending service, organise group activities that offer gentle exercise and social connection.

On this episode we discuss loneliness in older age, the multiple factors that can lead to chronic loneliness as well as the joys of making new friends in later life.

It was a really lovely and insightful conversation and I hope you enjoy it.

To find more about Reengage you can visit their website: https://www.reengage.org.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/reengageuk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reengageuk/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzUOL-QDPYSCpmEgIWluug/

This series is created in collaboration with The Campaign to End Loneliness. Currently in the UK there are over 9 million people experiencing loneliness and lacking the friendship and support that we all need. The Campaign to End Loneliness are experts in the field of loneliness and connection and are dedicated to sharing research, evidence and knowledge to make a difference to people’s lives.

To find out more about the Campaign to End Loneliness you can check out their website: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndLonelinessUK?s=20&t=mkgkZP_azjiF6R0G7CuSpg

Podcast Host - Fenella Hawksley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksley

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en

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