Building communities and creating connections: Mark and Bernard's story

It’s International Friendship Day, and we are proud to support everyone across Choice Care to build positive relationships and friendships.

Meet Mark, who has lived at Hazeldene since 1996, and Bernard, who moved in 2024. Since then, both Mark and Bernard have become the best of friends. After Mark’s recent loss of a loved one, Bernard supported Mark and approached him with warmth, creating the foundation of their, now blossoming, friendship.

To celebrate International Friendship Day, they tell us about what their friendship means to them…

Speaking with Bernard…

Tell us about your friendship with Mark: 

I have a great friendship with Mark, even though he talks a lot! I like the fact our rooms are next to each other.

What do you enjoy doing together?

I love cleaning the house with Mark, we help with the laundry and fold clothes together. We love day trips out, like going to the car boot sale. We enjoy getting a takeaway together, and I like spending my birthday with Mark.

Tell us about one thing you’d like to do together this year?

I would like to go on holiday with Mark.

What’s it like living at Choice Care?

I like living here, and I want to live here forever. I am very happy that I get to live here-Hazeldene is great!

 Speaking with Mark…

Tell us about your friendship with Bernard:

I have a good friendship with Bernard- we always get on really well.

What do you enjoy doing together?

I love doing activities I enjoy with Bernard. We help tidy up together, and love chatting. My favourite is when we go out for meals together.

Tell us about one thing you’d like to do together this year?

I’d like to go to the seaside with Bernard.

What’s it like living at Choice Care?

I have lived here for a long time, and I like living with Choice Care. I miss my family, but I know I have a family here.

Mark and Bernard’s friendship is a powerful reminder of the importance and impact of positive relationships. At Choice Care, we are proud to create environments where friendships can grow and thrive, helping the people we support feel valued and understood.

To make a referral, please contact referrals@choicecaregroup.com