Re-engage, the UK-wide charity committed to tackling loneliness amongst over-75s, have announced the appointment of a new head of engagement for Scotland.

Angela Rae-Murray will head up the team working across Scotland and she will oversee the charity’s new programmes dedicated to supporting older people experiencing social isolation. Angela takes over from previous Head of Service Morna O’May, building on the charity’s presence across the country, which currently includes 145 groups with a network of 1,016 older people and 1,645 volunteers.

Founded in 1968, Re-engage works to combat social isolation amongst older people through social gatherings, providing face to face contact to those who may otherwise have no opportunity to socialise.

As a result of COVID-19, the charity’s social gatherings, including their famous tea parties, have been suspended but a new telephone befriending service has been set up in its place. The new call companions service provides support and friendship to those at further risk of isolation during the pandemic, ensuring older people remain connected to the outside world and can access support when they need it most.

Angela Rae-Murray said, “I am passionate about the work we do here at Re-engage and am delighted to take on the new role of head of engagement for Scotland. I’m looking forward to bringing the experience I’ve gained over the past 20 years managing services in private, public, and third sector to my new role.”

Meryl Davies, CEO of Re-engage said, “I am delighted that Angela is becoming our head of engagement for Scotland. I am sure that her knowledge, energy, and expertise will help us to reach more older people and be an important part of tackling social isolation and loneliness across Scotland”.

The appointment comes at a time of crisis of older generations in Scotland. According to *2019 figures, 282,000 older people across Scotland feel lonely all or most of the time. However, this number is likely to rise sharply over the course of the current pandemic lockdown, particularly for older people living alone.

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For more information about Re-engage, including how to become a volunteer, please visit www.reengage.org.uk