Happy Palentine’s Day! Tomasz & Frank’s Befriending Story

“It’s one of the most amazing things that happened to me – it’s a privilege to be able to listen to so many stories from someone’s life.”

On 13th February, the day before Valentine’s, comes Palentine’s Day. It is a time to celebrate friendship and connection and show appreciation to your pals, young and old.

Read our Palentine’s Befriending Special and find out how Tomasz and Frank’s friendship grew from playing on flight simulators to spending Christmas Day together.

Frank was referred to the befriending programme after his wife had passed away, and as his mobility reduced, he found it harder to go out and socialise.

b:friend introduced him to volunteer Tomasz four months ago, and they quickly bonded over their shared fondness for all things technical and mechanical.

Tomasz loved hearing Frank’s stories from his time as an engineer and from living through World War II. During their weekly catch-ups, they played on flight and tank simulators and explored Frank’s inventions and doll’s house-building hobby.

“I really enjoy visiting Frank,” Tomasz said. “I think that we were paired extremely well. We share a lot of common interests. I am always looking forward to meeting him and we are already arranging other activities that we will do together.

“Frank is keen to share stories from his life, and that is one of the most amazing things that happened to me – it’s a privilege to be able to listen to so many stories from someone’s life.”

They even celebrated Christmas Day together with Tomasz’s partner at their house. Frank said: “It was very nice, it meant a lot to me. We see eye to eye and get on well. Getting to know them, it’s been a big change for me.”

“I don’t see it as volunteering anymore,” Tomasz added. “It’s just something that’s part of my life and the highlight of my week.”

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