Mary & Mike’s Story

Mike

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Volunteer Mike said: “Mary and I met at the end of last summer (2023). It’s been so fun, we have good banter. I go to Mary’s place on a Friday, and we hang out in the afternoon. There’s a community centre close by, so I’ve actually made about eight friends through Mary.

“Friday afternoon is our time. It’s a great way to start the weekend. Like many people, my working week can be stressful, and if you’re working from home it’s very easy to slip into a situation where you haven’t properly spoken with anyone outside of work for days. I’m constantly online and that can feel overwhelming. Meeting up with Mary feels like coming back to reality.

“The first time we met, I sat and chatted to Mary’s husband, Bill, too, who sadly isn’t with us anymore. It was just so easy. Something I really like about Together Co is how you get to meet people you never would have encountered otherwise. I’ve learnt so much about Brighton’s history from Mary.

“I get a lot out of our friendship. Our friendship isn’t just for Mary, it’s for me, too. If anyone asks how we know each other I just say, ‘Mary’s my mate.’ Mary knows she can call me anytime.

“It’s so nice for us to spend quality time together outside of our usual meetup at the Winter Warmer. It’s great for both of us. Events like this bring people together.”

Mary

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The Winter Warmer is great. It gets us out and meeting new people. There are some lovely new people here, and I’ve made friends that I’m catching up with here, too.

Mary said: “It’s important to have someone in your life you can talk to. Sometimes Mike and I go to my local community centre and meet with other people, or we go back to mine and have a natter. He sometimes brings his dog along too, a little toy poodle, which is lovely.

“When my husband was alive, he used to run the bingo club on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I’d make the tea. That was a great way to bring people together. It’s important to have things to look forward to.

“That’s why we’re doing a Christmas quiz together at my community centre in a few weeks, it was Mike’s idea. It will have a Brighton general knowledge theme. He’s quizmaster, and I’ll be attending. I’ve got some Christmas serviettes we’re going to use, and I keep reminding him not to forget pencils and pens.

“What Together Co does is so important. I hope they can help as many people as possible to find people like Mike.

“The Winter Warmer is great. It gets us out and meeting new people. There are some lovely new people here, and I’ve made friends that I’m catching up with here, too.”