Home Companion Volunteer

As a Marie Curie Companion volunteer you'll visit people who are living with a terminal illness in their own homes, offering companionship and support for up to three hours each week. The main focus of the role is companionship and emotional support and can involve helping with some activities that your client finds difficult.  This will not involve helping with personal care or medication. 

As a Companion volunteer you're someone for the person you're supporting to talk to about whatever’s on their mind. You might accompany the person you support to appointments or social events, or help with small everyday tasks. Having a Companion volunteer to turn to might mean an exhausted carer is able to take a short break away from their loved one to rest and recharge. This can make a huge difference to families and they're often so grateful to have the help there. As a Companion volunteer, you can help the person you're supporting look into other support and services available near where they live - such as finding a gardener or cleaner to help around the home. You can also provide support to families for up to three months after bereavement, giving support and companionship at a sensitive and sad time. Before becoming a Companion, you’ll get extensive training to make sure you’re ready, and we’ll give you on-going support throughout your time volunteering. 

What skills do I need?

We are looking for volunteers aged 18 years or over with good listening skills. Home Companion volunteers are asked to commit to 3 hours per week. 

All volunteers will be provided with full training and ongoing support. 

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

The role offers complete flexibility in terms of days and times. You do not need to be available all day every day, we simply ask that you can offer at least 3 hours per week and commit to a minimum of 12 months. This is because the person or and / or family you are matched with is likely to form a meaningful connection with you, and having a consistent volunteer helps build trust, emotional security, and a sense of stability. We want to avoid the disruption that can come from needing to find a replacement partway through the relationship.