Spotlight: Marie Curie Community Companions Service

Could you please tell us a bit about your role and the new companion service? 

"I am the Volunteer Services Coordinator at Marie Curie for Brighton and Hove. Marie Curie has launched a brand new Community Companion service in the area, funded by SGN. 

"My role involves recruiting, training and coordinating our volunteer Companions and matching them with terminally ill people in Brighton and Hove and/or their carers."

"As part of my role, I am developing networks with organisations and community groups and organisations in order to develop better end of life care for all, with a focus on reaching out to underserved communities." 

What sort of support or activities will companions offer?

"It is free, flexible and personalised help. Our Companions provide emotional support, to listen and talk about whatever’s on your mind, from anxiety to loneliness. They are also there for practical support like accompanying you at medical appointments or talking about plans for end of life. 

"With our partnership with SGN, our Community Companions are trained to recognise the struggles of increasing energy costs and help you to sign up to the Priority Services Register and access Marie Curie’s Energy Support Service who can give information on supplier-specific support, grants and more." 

How would someone (a person receiving palliative care or their carer) access this service?  

“You can access this service by calling our support line on 0800 090 2309, or emailing southcompanions@mariecurie.org.uk.”

What kind of feedback have you received? 

The following are quotes from Companion volunteer interviews:

“Being a companion brings that fulfilment that I am trying to make a difference, even if it’s just in a very small way. I think it’s worthwhile.” 

“People like to feel like someone is listening to them.” 

“They win and I win - I’m interested in their amazing lives” 

“Being a companion brings that fulfilment that I am trying to make a difference, even if it’s just in a small way… I think it’s worthwhile.”

Why do you think free palliative and end of life support is so valuable?

“Palliative and end of life support is essentially about good quality end of life. Most (if not all) given a choice, would want a ‘good death’ i.e. a death that is as painless and as comfortable as possible. I have worked for Marie Curie for six years and in total have worked for palliative care for twelve. 

“Before I was 35 years old I lost both my parents to a terminal illness, five years apart. My mum received palliative care, spending her last weeks in her local hospice, my dad’s experience was far more distressing. My mother died in peace, surrounded by love and drifting in comfort with a more tailored approach to her emotional wellbeing.”

"Marie Curie plays a leading role in shaping the end-of-life system across the UK; driving research, campaigning for change - so everyone has access to the end of life care and support they need. 

“Most importantly of all, our services are free and this new Companion service in Brighton & Hove brings the care into people’s homes, offering emotional support, a chance for those who need the service to talk openly, confidentially and without judgement, this makes a big difference to their overall wellbeing.”

What would you say to anyone considering volunteering as a companion?

"We provide full training and ongoing regular support to our volunteers. We are flexible - whether you’re going on holiday or simply need to step away, we can work around your schedule and match you with people who are around at the same time. We want your time volunteering to be enjoyable and rewarding. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to thrive in your role.”