What do Companions do?
Marie Curie’s Companion service provides free, flexible and personalised help to people at the end of life, and to the people close to them.
Whatever you’re feeling, from anxiety to loneliness, our Companions give you their time to listen to and support you.
What’s important to you is important to your Companion. For example, Companions can offer:
- Emotional support: Companions are there to listen and talk about whatever’s on your mind, whether you’re being cared for or a carer.
- Practical help: Companions can help with the practical things, like supporting you with errands, joining you at appointments or talking about your plans for end of life.
- Information and additional support: Companions can help answer any questions and find further support that’s available to you.
- A breather for families and carers: Companions can let the people looking after you take a break, making sure you’re being supported while they take time out.
Companions are trained to listen and support you emotionally and practically, providing dedicated social support that goes beyond clinical care. They aren’t trained to provide formal counselling, clinical advice or nursing and personal care.