Old acquaintances Norma and Barry, who hadn’t seen each other for two decades, were reunited at a Re-engage activity group and are now happily living together. 

Both started attending the monthly meetings in Rastrick, West Yorkshire, with their partners, who needed support. The group was set up in August 2023 and run in collaboration with Carers Count. Sadly, Norma’s husband, Garry, and Barry’s wife, Margaret, both died within months of each other in 2024. 

“It was a difficult time for both of us,” said Norma, 79. “But we are very happy now. We have had so much support from Re-engage and Carers Count. It’s been absolutely brilliant; the volunteers are so caring. 

“Initially, I went for Garry’s sake and Barry was doing the same for Margaret. You think you go to these groups just for the person you are caring for, but they also help you. 

“We had known Barry and Margaret for a long time. In fact, he was our children’s Scout leader. But we hadn’t seen them for something like 20 years. And if it hadn’t been for Re-engage, I wouldn’t be with Barry now, so I have a lot to thank them for. 

“Going to the group is the best thing we ever did. The people are so friendly, and everyone helps each other, we have a lot of fun there and it’s extremely popular.” 

Barry, 84, said: “Thanks to Re-engage we’ve had a happy ending.” 

The group, which was originally set up with the support of Carers Count to help people with dementia and their carers, is thriving. Re-engage Engagement Officer, Deb Meynell, runs the group and organises carpet curling, quizzes, music, singing, and bingo: “It’s a lovely story,” she said. “Norma and Barry are smashing people and I’m so glad we could bring them together after all those years. 

“They always help at the meetings, getting things ready and encouraging others to join in. It really is a beautiful group, and I love leading it. We regularly get 20 older people coming along - the collaboration between us and Carers Count has been brilliant.”