How Together Co met rising demand and strengthened community connection

Together Co responded to rising need in 2024/25 by expanding services, and strengthening partnerships and its community of volunteers.

The charity’s latest impact report shows that as loneliness and social isolation continue to increase, the effect on people’s mental, physical and social health is becoming more urgent.

More people than ever in Brighton and Hove are reaching out for connection, support and a sense of belonging.

This year’s Impact Report shows not only the scale of demand, but what is possible when compassionate, targeted support is given to the people who need it.

The Stats

In 2024/25, Together Co supported 1,855 people through befriending and social prescribing services, while a further 450 people were helped through its new Connection Hub, a first point of contact for anyone reaching out.

Almost everyone it supported felt the difference: 99% reported a positive change in their lives, and 73% reported improved wellbeing.

Building Belonging

Befriending remains at the heart of Together Co’s response to loneliness. This year, 579 people were supported through one-to-one befriending relationships, offering companionship, trust and friendship.

The charity continued to run three befriending social groups each month across the city, creating safe, welcoming spaces where people could meet, take part in activities and build confidence.

Free, accessible transport and on-board volunteer support helped to remove barriers for those with mobility or financial challenges, ensuring no one was excluded.

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What sets this work apart is its deeply human approach. Our link workers listen carefully, build trust and help people navigate often complex systems at their own pace.

Social Prescribing

Together Co’s social prescribing service continued to play a vital role in connecting people to the activities, services and support that brought them joy and improved wellbeing.

In 2024/25, the charity received 1,180 referrals across social prescribing and SP Plus, making more than 4,300 onward referrals to 472 different organisations across Brighton and Hove.

Emily Daniel, Together Co’s CEO, said: “What sets this work apart is its deeply human approach. Our link workers listen carefully, build trust and help people navigate often complex systems at their own pace.”

As a result, 92% of people felt better informed about the support available to them, while community outreach events enabled Together Co to support people directly in foodbanks, libraries, churches and community spaces.

Powered by Volunteers

None of this would have been possible without Together Co’s volunteers. This year, 492 volunteers aged 18 to 90 gave an extraordinary 13,415 hours of their time, the equivalent of 19 months of full-time support.

Together Co welcomed 94 new regular volunteers and 75 corporate volunteers, many of whom joined after experiencing loneliness themselves.

Innovation

The charity also launched new ways for people to connect in response to rising demand. The Connection Hub became a vital first point of contact, offering warmth, reassurance and guidance to anyone reaching out.

The Connector Project supported people to build confidence and reconnect with their communities through short-term, goal-focused support, and the Connection by Letter Project created meaningful relationships through the simple but powerful act of writing letters.

Looking Ahead

Together Co has strengthened its role as a trusted voice on loneliness, deepened its community impact, and has built stronger foundations for the future.

Its new strategy for 2025–2028, is building on this work and ensuring that the charity continues to evolve by focusing on what the community needs.

Emily Daniel said: “This year, more people than ever have reached out to Together Co. Every call, every referral, every match reminds us how powerful it is when someone feels truly seen and supported.

“Thanks to our volunteers, staff, funders and partners, thousands of moments of connection have happened across Brighton and Hove, and for so many people, that connection has been life-changing.”