Connection and community are at the heart of what we do, so it was wonderful to hear that Sue and Awa had found that in each other. This is their befriending story. 

Sue, 64, and Awa, 25, were matched in September 2022 and enjoy talking about life, politics and funny stories.  

Awa says speaking to Sue has given her back her sense of community, while Sue says Awa has become like a daughter to her.

Awa’s Story

Awa said: “I was looking at different volunteering opportunities and got in touch with Together Co as I wanted to try befriending.  

“I like having intentional conversations with people and this felt like something I would be quite comfortable doing. 

“I am from Senegal and back home there is a sense of community more so than here. Meeting people, getting to spend time with them and making a difference appealed to me. 

“I usually visit Sue once a week. She is so approachable, the more we spend time together. It was easy from the beginning.”

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Personally, I would feel a lot more depressed without Together Co. It has really helped me. It was, in a way, a lifesaver really.

Sue’s Story

Sue said: “Awa is sweet and comforting. She is everything you would want in a friend.  

“She’s more a kind of surrogate daughter to me. I feel like I want to look after her like a parent and we definitely look out for each other. 

“I went to the doctor because I suffer from depression and I have lots of health problems. I didn’t really want to go out anymore.  

“My husband and I have been together for 35 years. He’s wonderful but we had run out of things to say. 

“Awa stops me being lonely. I find it hard to be sociable. It’s lovely to have someone who keeps me company. 

“Personally, I would feel a lot more depressed without Together Co. It has really helped me. It was, in a way, a lifesaver really. 

“Awa is somebody who can talk about multiple subjects. She gives me a lot of confidence. She’s wonderful and I love her to bits.” 

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Find out more about our befriending and social prescribing services.