“With my befriender, I can just be myself” / Together Co
1st November 2025
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Together Co Befriending provides supportive and reliable friendships to individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation in Brighton and Hove. They are a Quality in Befriending Award holder, the UK’s only award specifically for befriending services.
In their case study, they share the story of Steve and his befriender Peter, who bonded over sharing stories and a love of schnauzers.
When Peter saw a volunteer appeal from Together Co for someone from the LGBTQ+ community to befriend a man with a pet miniature schnauzer, he felt the combination was just the right fit for him. He said,
“I have volunteered since I was 16, at college and at different LGBTQ+ charities. I found it helped with my own mental health after my diagnosis of depression and anxiety. I was working in London at the time, but living in Brighton and looking to form a deeper sense of connection where I lived. I had grown up with a miniature schnauzer as a family pet. The opportunity of befriending a queer person with the same dog was the perfect combination.”
For Steve, Peter came along at just the right time. Still dealing with the grief of losing his partner, Steve found lockdown particularly isolating and walking his dog, Olga, was a lifeline.
Together Co matched him with telephone befrienders and shopping help during this time. However, post-pandemic, the need for more personal connection was greater, and Steve really values the fortnightly meetups he now has with Peter. He said,
“I enjoy the time we spend together and it’s helpful that it’s a regular time. He helps me to remember things from my past; we talk about my partner who I lost, and I don’t really share that with other people. Peter also helps me with practical tips, like ways to manage my paperwork.
“I feel happier and more connected knowing I have Peter in my life.”
Making sure he had the time available to volunteer was important to Peter. He said,
“It’s important not to overpromise and underdeliver, particularly when you are connecting with vulnerable people. If in doubt, start small and increase over time.”
Peter and Steve have particularly enjoyed spending time with Olga, Steve’s miniature schnauzer, and Peter sometimes helps to walk or look after Olga if Steve is away.
Peter added,
“It’s the things we have in common, but also the differences between us, which make it interesting.
“Hearing Steve’s perspective on life, growing up when he did as a gay man and the challenges that brought. I learn a lot from spending time with Steve. We laugh, and we celebrate life’s small wins together; they matter. It works very well for us.”
The match has been valuable for Steve:
“We have honest conversations. With Peter, I can just be myself – he’s a great listener and that’s really important. It makes a difference.”
This case study is part of Befriending Week (1 – 7 November), the annual campaign to raise awareness about befriending and celebrate social connection. Find out more on our Befriending Week microsite.