Together.ly Lifts Macular Society’s Support Network to New Heights

Prior to the pandemic, the Macular Society offered vital support through in-person group sessions and one-to-one befriending services. Groups gathered in local venues such as churches and community centres, encouraging social connections and learning. However, with COVID-19 forcing gatherings online, many older service users struggled with platforms like Zoom, leading to increased feelings of isolation.

The Winter Warmers programme, designed to support the most isolated individuals, faced significant hurdles due to outdated conference call systems which limited participation to a small number of attendees. Additionally, volunteers were forced to manage their own devices for connecting with service users, complicating the befriending process and resulting in informal tracking of calls, which further hampered efficiency.

In search of a better way, the team discovered Together.ly through research and recommendations within their network. Together.ly provided the perfect solution that bypassed the tech challenges of video calls and automated participant connections for group and befriending services. This meant no more manual dialing and an easy way for service users to connect through familiar technology. Together.ly integrated seamlessly with the Society's database, simplifying participant management and enabling clear oversight with robust reporting capabilities.

The partnership with Together.ly enabled the Winter Warmers program to significantly expand its reach, accommodating over 100 participants in some sessions. This impressive growth meant that individuals who previously felt isolated could enjoy increased social interaction and engagement, all through the simple, familiar technology of telephone calls.

Together.ly transformed the befriending services by removing worries about shared telephone numbers and call costs, making life simpler for everyone involved. Volunteers no longer needed to manage these logistics, allowing them to focus entirely on cultivating meaningful relationships. Furthermore, Together.ly's platform offered significant safeguarding benefits. With detailed insights into call activity, the Macular Society could quickly identify individuals who hadn't been reached and initiate timely check-ins, ensuring no one was left feeling disconnected or unsupported. These enhancements not only ensured safety but also improved the overall quality of care provided.

For the Macular Society's staff, Together.ly significantly eased the administrative workload. Automated processes replaced cumbersome manual dialling, and integrated reporting provided valuable insights into engagement patterns, helping with planning and demonstrating the tangible impacts of their services to funders, whilst also allowing staff to spend more time on elevating service quality and support.

The partnership with Together.ly has revolutionised the Macular Society's ability to deliver support. By aligning their services with accessible technology, the Society has not only strengthened community ties but also enhanced their capacity to provide crucial support to those navigating the difficulties of macular disease.

Inspired by the Macular Society’s experience? Discover how Together.ly can streamline your organisation’s operations and expand your reach. Contact us today to find out how our platform can empower your mission and improve community connection.