Case Study: Together Co

2nd November 2024

Together Co is a loneliness charity that creates connections to change lives. They have been matching people to create friendships in Brighton and Hove for over 20 years. Last year they gave over 16,500 hours of support thanks to their team of 492 befrienders (including 130 new volunteers).

Their case study tells the story of befriending match Natasha and Jeanette and their journey to get to know each other.

“I know what it’s like”

Volunteer and Saltdean resident Natasha, 52, wanted to help in her local community and give something back.

Natasha said:

“I went to an event called Action for Happiness where Together Co had a stall. I got talking to the person behind the stall, and my heart sang when I learnt about Together Co’s work – because I know what it’s like to experience loneliness and isolation.

She was matched with Jeanette, 93, who has lived in Saltdean for 30 years, and was keen to meet new people. The pair began having meetups with each other in Jeanette’s home and they quickly established a bond based on their shared sense of humour.

“Jeanette is so inspirational and wise. I learn a lot from her. It’s a pleasure to be in her company, and to make friends with someone from a slightly older generation is amazing.

“It makes you feel like we can all get on, no matter what our age, ethnicity, or circumstances, and no matter how cheeky the person is…We laugh a lot. It’s so light-hearted.”

A shared sense of humour

Jeanette has gotten a lot from her befriending match with Natasha. She said:

“It’s the best part of my week, having Natasha come over to my house. We just get on – we talk about everything.

“For me, a shared sense of humour is so important in a friendship. When we first met, we started off by talking about something silly and we just relaxed.

“It’s lovely to get to know somebody new where it’s a friendship, not just a polite interaction. I’ve nicknamed Natasha ‘100%’, as she always says it.