Community raises thousands for loneliness charity at Together Co’s Autumn Gala

More than £17,000 was raised at Together Co’s Autumn Gala, which brought the community together to highlight loneliness.

Brighton Palace Pier hosted an extraordinary evening, headlined by Ray Lewis, former lead singer of The Drifters, bringing together music lovers and charity supporters for a night to remember.

The sold-out event on October 5 was only possible because of generous support from sponsors Prolific 10, Extech Cloud, UpFix, Best of British Events, and Lawton & Dawe Properties, who helped ensure it was an unforgettable experience.

Money raised through ticket sales and generous donations made during the night will support the charity’s vital services, providing befriending and social prescribing across the community.

Short film ‘Autumn of Life’ which follows a new friendship between Bert and George, two elderly care home residents who become friends despite being opposites, also premiered at the event.

Isabel Harrison, film producer, said: “Autumn of Life stands for everything Together Co does, and that is why the film is so special.

“It is also relatable, unfortunately, to a lot of people, and we wanted to show that you can find friendship in unfamiliar environments and places. Thank you for watching.”

A celebration of Together Co’s impact

The gala celebrated community and connection, and Together Co’s life-changing work in Brighton and Hove.

April Baker, Together Co’s CEO, said being given the chance to lead such a meaningful organisation two years ago was an amazing opportunity.

She said: “Of course, only being part of Together Co for two years means that I am a small part of its 24-year history, which is just incredible.”

April highlighted Together Co’s work supporting more than 2,000 people annually and thanked everyone who makes the charity’s work possible.

She added: “Tonight, I would like to give thanks to our incredible 450 volunteers, our amazing staff and ambassadors, and the community that really makes Together Co what it is.

“But importantly, I must give thanks to the local business community. It’s really tough for the charity sector right now, and thanks to your support, organisations like Together Co are still able to thrive.”

Personal stories

Throughout the night, people shared experiences that underscore the importance of Together Co’s mission.

Volunteer Georgina Webb said: “I have got two hats when it comes to Together Co. I am a befriender; I have been volunteering for about a year now and it is amazing. I really love supporting them through that.

“The company I work for, Bird and Blend, also supports Together Co through its charity work.

“I just wanted to come along tonight and meet other businesses that are doing the same thing, other people who are volunteering, and generally just support this amazing charity.”

Supporter Michelle Westbury said: “I fell in love with Together Co a couple of years ago. I didn’t know there was a loneliness charity in Brighton.

“Obviously, it has become an important cause, and they do the most amazing work.

“I have learnt a lot about what they do in the past couple of years, and I try to support them as much as I can now. This is a lovely evening and I’m glad I came.”

Deborah Lennard, who runs pub quiz fundraisers for Together Co and other charities, said: “Anybody can experience loneliness, and I think that Together Co is an incredible charity for bringing people together, connecting people, and making sure that everybody has the social support they need. I am really happy to support that and be a part of this amazing community.”

Looking back

Trustee Natalie Orringe told guests that Together Co was founded nearly 25 years ago by a group of neighbours who recognised that someone in their street was lonely.

She said: “That ethos is really what drives Together Co. We create connections between people that we hope will change lives, and I really cannot say how much tonight makes me think we are really delivering on that purpose.

“We are bringing people together, having great conversations, but ultimately, we are making a difference to the place that we call home, and in doing so we are helping more people feel like it is home.”

Reaching out

TV presenter Gail Porter, an ambassador for Together Co, praised the charity and said: “It is a real pleasure and privilege to be an ambassador. Loneliness is such a big issue.

“I get lonely; I think most people get lonely. It is nice to know that there is somewhere you can reach out and you can befriend people.”

Anne Ackord, CEO of Brighton Palace Pier Group PLC, added: “Together Co has been our charity of the year for two years now and we have very much enjoyed working with them.

“We have had some great fun. April and the wider team have put a tremendous amount of effort into this evening.”http://www.togetherco.org.uk

www.togetherco.org.uk