Meaningful connection starts with listening 

Written by Ruth Lumley
30th Sep 2026
A smiling person wearing a headset with a microphone to make a phone call.
Earlier this year, we invited volunteers, scheme members, supporters, partners and staff to share their experiences with us as part of our Listen In month.

We wanted to hear about what we are doing well, where we could improve and how we could help more people feel connected and supported.

What we heard was incredibly positive. Many people told us that Together Co’s befriending, social prescribing and volunteering services helped them to feel less alone and more connected to others.

Kindness and the difference supportive relationships can make also came through strongly. People told us they valued the care, understanding and support they received from our volunteers and staff.

Our Net Promoter Score of 72 reflects this positive feedback and the trust people place in Together Co.

Sharing ideas

People who took part in the Listen In also shared ideas about how we could do even more.

They included more opportunities to meet other people, making new connections and spending more time together.

Volunteers told us they would enjoy meeting fellow volunteers, while some scheme members said they would welcome more informal social activities.

One participant said: “My befriender is excellent and it’s always wonderful to hear from them.”

While another added: “That initial contact is vital. Your link worker was brilliant, and I am immensely grateful for the help and support.”

Connection

The value of face-to-face connection was another strong theme. People want to see more of Together Co in local communities and know where they could find us in Brighton and Hove.

These ideas are already helping to shape our plans. We are running peer-to-peer coffee and chat sessions for volunteers, and online social opportunities for people who are unable to attend in person.

We are also exploring more flexible ways for people to get involved and looking to plan more events which bring our community together.

Emily Daniel, Together Co CEO, said: “Listen In month may be over, but the conversation continues. All the feedback we receive helps us to learn, grow, stay focused on what matters, and create more opportunities for people to connect, belong and thrive.”

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© 2019–2026 Together Collective a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales: Company No. 03895574, whose registered office is Projects Nile House, Nile St, Brighton BN1 1HW. Together Collective is a registered charity: Charity No. 1083390

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