Companion Volunteer

Have people ever said you're a great listener, or that your calm presence is comforting?

Marie Curie is inviting compassionate, everyday people to join our Companion Team, supporting individuals across Durham who are living with a terminal diagnosis.

This is your chance to be a reassuring presence, a friendly face, and a source of comfort for someone navigating one of life’s most challenging journeys.

As a Companion Volunteer, you’ll build meaningful connections by visiting regularly with someone in your community, sharing conversation, and simply being there. It’s the small moments that can make the biggest difference.

Availability: 3 hours per week

Time: Flexible to suit your schedule

Location: Durham

Criteria: Aged 18 or over

What you’ll do:

• Offer conversation and listen
• Help someone express what matters most to them
• Pass along helpful information
• Provide kindness and reassurance to families and carers, including through bereavement

Why you’d be a great fit:

• Patient, empathetic, and a natural listener
• Kind and courteous towards others
• Calm and grounded during sensitive moments
• Happy to give 3 hours a week to support someone locally
• Comfortable completing a short phone call about your visit and occasionally using email

What you can expect:

• Encouragement and support every step of the way
• Genuine appreciation for your time
• Peer Support sessions
• In person training with drinks and refreshments provided
• A sense of meaning and purpose
• Recognition for your time
• Travel and expenses reimbursed
• Access to discounts on shopping, dining, travel and more
• Travel expenses covered

Want to know more before applying?

Find out more about our Companion Service here or contact Volunteer Services Officer Louise Delaney T: 07515 135571  E: louise.delaney@mariecurie.org.uk

At Marie Curie, our values are central to everything we do. They guide how we care for people, how we work together, and how we make decisions every day. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe for everyone - staff and volunteers alike - supportive, inclusive and rewarding.  We take stringent steps to ensure that anyone who joins our organisation are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. We actively consider our impact on the planet, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions to create a lasting, positive difference for the individuals we care for and the world we share.   We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Marie Curie is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising both the social justice imperative and the strength a diverse workforce brings.  We actively encourage applications from people of all cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.   We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any support, please contact us at recruitment@mariecurie.org.uk.   Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team, and in return, we ask that your application authentically reflects you - your experience, perspective and voice.