Become a Companion at home volunteer
If you want to make a difference to the lives of people living with a terminal illness, and are looking to give a few hours a week to offer companionship and support, becoming a companion might be just right for you.
Looking to receive support from a Companion? Find out how you can get a Companion volunteer.
What support do Companion volunteers give?
As a Marie Curie Companion volunteer you'll visit people living with a terminal illness in their own homes, offering companionship and support for up to three hours each week.
What kind of things do they help with?
The role involves helping with activities such as reading, making short trips to the shops and providing information on local services. You might also give support by telephone, as well as face to face.
Is there any training?
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.
How to become a Companion
Search through our volunteer roles to see if we have any companion volunteer vacancies near you.
If there aren’t any roles in your area, you could consider a different volunteer role or check back in a couple of weeks to see if any roles have been added.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about becoming a Companion volunteer, please email us at volunteering@mariecurie.org.uk.
The difference you make as a Companion
Everyone’s different, but the people we support say these are the biggest ways in which having a Companion volunteer to support them helps.
Companionship and emotional support
As a Companion volunteer you're someone for the person you're supporting to talk to about whatever’s on their mind.
A bit of practical help
As a Companion volunteer, you might accompany the person you support to appointments or social events, or help with small everyday tasks.
Helping out families and carers
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.
Information on further support
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.
Helping families during bereavement
You can also provide support to families for up to three months after bereavement, giving support and companionship at a sensitive and sad time.
