01/10/2026
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Esther Rantzen.
Alongside her remarkable career in broadcasting and campaigning, Dame Esther was a passionate advocate for older people and understood the profound impact loneliness and isolation can have in later life.
In 2013, she founded The Silver Line, creating a vital source of friendship, conversation and support for older people across the UK. Her work helped bring loneliness among older people into the national conversation and reminded us all of the importance of human connection.
As an organisation supporting older people, we recognise the lasting difference her work has made and the conversations she helped to start.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.
Rest in peace, Dame Esther.