To assess the impact of our services on loneliness and isolation, we ask older people about their wellbeing and social relationships when they join a service (‘baseline’ information) and again in our annual surveys. Our 2026 results show that fewer older people frequently feel lonely since joining Re-engage and more of them are enjoying good wellbeing.

The number of older people in our services who are frequently lonely in 2026 has decreased by 41% compared to our baseline data (based on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) three-item loneliness scale). At the same time, the number of older people who give high or very high scores to rate their satisfaction with life has increased by 88% (using the Office of National Statistics (ONS) wellbeing measures).

“So much look forward to our wonderful Sundays each month. Amazing drivers – so kind; caring, friendly hosts; delightful company and delicious meals. Lovely to be so spoiled. Very grateful to all.”

“I really do enjoy volunteering, it has made a change to my weekly routine and I hope my companion.”

Every charity wants to be sure that it’s making an impact. That’s why we talk directly to our older people and volunteers about the impact of our work, rather than make assumptions.

In 2025 to 2026 we:

• received over 3,637 survey responses across our research and evaluations.
• conducted 87 in-depth interviews.
• hosted 66 focus group participants.
• received 1,886 responses to our annual surveys.

This feedback gives us valuable insight into the impact of our work and how both older people and volunteers benefit from being part of Re-engage.

“Joining Re-engage is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It was the only spark in the otherwise very dull life of mine.”