Today we launch rainbow call companions, our free telephone service for LGBT+ older people who live alone and feel they would enjoy a friendly phone call every week or two with a volunteer who is also from the LGBT+ community.  We caught up with Re-engage engagement officer Sam to find out more about the service.

What first drew you to role of engagement officer for rainbow call companions?
When I heard that Re-engage was looking for someone to be involved in the launch and growth of a new service for LGBT+ older people, I knew I’d found my dream job. Before coming out myself, I was always terrified that being gay would mean that I would grow up to be lonely and isolated, which is why I stayed in the closet for 10 years. Back then there weren’t many famous gay men in happy open relationships or family that I could look up to. Luckily that hasn’t been the case for me, and I have a happy life, but I am desperate to help older people who may find themselves in that situation.
 

Why are you excited about rainbow call companions? 
Anything that aims to help older LGBT+ people is worth being excited about! What makes rainbow call companions different for me is that we are the only charity in the UK that focuses on helping people over the age of 75. Our service is available to LGBT+ older people throughout the UK so you can be matched with someone you would never usually have the chance to meet. Rainbow call companions will give older LGBT+ people an opportunity to be true to themselves, and that’s just wonderful.
 

What have you been up to since you joined the charity?
As well as being busy preparing for the launch of rainbow call companions, I’ve spent a lot of time working with other charities, councils and LGBT+ organisations.  I’ve been learning from the experiences of others and making sure that we’re in the best position to support those who need us.
 

Have you had to overcome any hurdles?
Everyone at the charity has been so welcoming and passionate about reaching and supporting LGBT+ older people. External organisations have been keen to hear about our service too. It’s been a dream so far. The biggest hurdle we have is reaching those who are over 75 and are LGBT+. It seems to be well known that LGBT+ older people are somewhat “lost to the world”. We know they are out there, but we don’t know where. To me, this is what makes rainbow call companions so necessary. No-one should feel like they need to hide. I hope that rainbow call companions encourages people to come forward and that they feel welcome when they do.
 

What have been your high points?
The highest point so far has been making our first rainbow match. We found an older person who needed our service.  When I let him know that I could match him with another member of the LGBT+ community, he was very happy and knew he didn’t have to worry about not feeling accepted. We’ve already been able to do this for one person, and I can’t wait to be able to do it for many more after we officially launch our service.
 

What are your hopes for rainbow call companions?
If we can give an LGBT+ older person half an hour a week where they can have a chat and a laugh and be their true to themselves, I’ll be really happy. I hope that in the future we’ll introduce new services, offering in-person friendships, group events and activity groups.
 

What will you be doing to celebrate the launch?
I will be calling my mums first  as they will both be delighted.  I won’t be forgiven if I don't do that first!
 

What gets you out of bed every morning?
I often feel like I’ve had a hard time coming to terms with my sexuality and being accepted in wider society. In reality, I’ve had it easy compared to others, especially people who came before me.  My mission is to try to make life as easy as possible for those who feel different, lonely and isolated.  Or that they must hide their true selves. That will always get me out of bed in the morning.