Offers companionship and practical support to terminally ill people, their families and carers.
What do Companion volunteers do?
If you need to do something around the house, pick up something from the shops, or talk about how you’re feeling, companions will be right there alongside you.
Companions can be available for up to three hours a week, and can also provide support over the telephone. Read more about the benefits of our Companion at home service and how it works.
How to refer your patient to the Companion at home service
People can self-refer to the service, but we also welcome referrals from healthcare professionals. Contact the Companion service in your area to find out more or make a referral.
Please note: Companion volunteers are not able to assist with personal and clinical care, formal counselling, or regular domestic tasks.
If you have a patient with those sorts of needs, you might find it helpful to contact your Marie Curie Regional Nursing Office – staff there may be able to advise on other available services.
- How can I access this service?
- People can self-refer to the service, but we also welcome referrals from healthcare professionals.
- When is this service open?
- 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 11am-5pm on Saturday.
- How much will it cost me?
- Free. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.
- Is translation or interpreting available?
- If you can’t speak English, or it isn’t your first language, our Support Line is available in over 200 languages. Get in touch and we can request an interpreter to join and translate your call live.
- What should I expect?
- We’ll find out more about you and your situation before matching you with a Helper volunteer who’s right for you. Once matched, you can arrange with your Helper volunteer when you want to meet and what you’d like to do together.
- What groups of people is this for?
- The general public
- What age groups is this for?
- 18+
- What areas of the city is this for?
- People from anywhere in the city
Contacts
- Companion at home services
- mchl.administration@nhs.net
- 0800 304 7402