Become a Marie Curie Companion

What is a Marie Curie Companion?

Being a Marie Curie Companion means providing a listening ear and being there for someone to talk to about whatever’s on their mind. Depending on the Companion role you select, you could be offering support in someone’s home, over the phone, or in hospital.

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Certain conversations I’ve had while volunteering have been life-changing and incredibly insightful. There isn’t one thing I would change about this experience.

When you realise you were the cause of laughter coming out from someone who has been suffering for days or weeks, you realise your strength!

Radhika, Companion over the phone volunteer

Companion at home

In this role, you'll visit people living with a terminal illness in their own homes, offering companionship and practical support for up to three hours each week. While the role may vary week to week, you’ll be helping with activities such as making trips to the shops to run errands, providing information on local services and providing a listening ear over a cup of tea.

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Companion over the phone

It can be hard for people living with a terminal illness to get support and they might feel lonely. By volunteering as a Companion over the phone, you'll be matched with an individual who needs emotional support and a chance to chat freely about how they're feeling. As you'll be speaking to the same person for up to 12 weeks, the conversation may vary. You'll actively listen and discuss feelings and emotions around the person's situation. You may also direct them to sources of information and support.

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Companion in hospital

In this role, you'll provide personalised support to people in hospital and those close to them, in the final days and hours of their life. You'll offer a hand to hold and be there to listen.

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Companion holding patient's hand in hospital by bedside

Is this role right for you?

You’re likely to enjoy being a Marie Curie Companion if...

You’re empathetic

As a Companion, you'll be asked to support the person you’ve been paired with in a non-judgmental and empathetic way.

You enjoy talking to people and building relationships

You’ll feel comfortable listening to someone talk about what’s on their mind. They might talk to you about all sorts of emotions or concerns they have.

You want to offer ongoing meaningful support

By supporting someone on a regular basis, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in someone's day-to-day life.

How we support you

Thorough training

You’ll learn about active listening and how to handle challenging situations. You’ll also have one-to-one support with a Marie Curie staff member, prior to starting the role.

Ongoing support

After the initial training you’ll receive monthly individual supervision support sessions to give you an opportunity to look after yourself in the role and talk things through.

Build on your skills

We want your time volunteering to be enjoyable and rewarding. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to thrive in your role and have ongoing training opportunities.

Flexibility

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.

Frequently asked questions

Looking to receive support from a Companion?

Marie Curie Companions are here to support anyone living with a terminal illness aged 18 or over. Read more about how a trained Companion volunteer can support you.

Find out more

Become a Marie Curie Companion

What is a Marie Curie Companion?

Companion at home

Companion over the phone

Companion in hospital

Is this role right for you?

You’re empathetic

You enjoy talking to people and building relationships

You want to offer ongoing meaningful support

How we support you

Thorough training

Ongoing support

Build on your skills

Flexibility

Frequently asked questions

Will I receive training?

How long do I need to volunteer for in this role?

What happens if I don’t get along with the person I’ve been matched with?

What if I have to skip a session or I need a break?

Looking to receive support from a Companion?

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