All volunteers will be fully trained by Marie Curie and matched to someone locally who is living with a terminal illness. For up to three hours a week, the volunteer companion can provide valued emotional and practical support, such as having a chat together over a cup of tea, helping with small errands or providing a short break to carers.

Sara Murray, Volunteer Coordinator, Marie Curie Scotland, said:

“The Companion at Home service provides such wonderful support to people in the community at a time when they need it the most. We are delighted to be able to offer this service to people across Fife, Dumfries & Galloway, West Lothian, Glasgow, Grampian, Orkney, East Dunbartonshire and Edinburgh, helping to bring some brightness at a difficult time.   

“For anyone considering being a volunteer companion, this is a role that really makes a difference and is incredibly rewarding.”

Having a volunteer companion is vital for someone with a terminal illness. Sometimes, they might not have families or close friends living nearby, so this service can also help combat isolation and loneliness, as well as giving them the opportunity to remain socially active. In addition, the volunteer companion can also offer some respite to family members.

Lisa Brawls has been a volunteer Companion for Marie Curie for a year and visits Russell.  If the weather is good, they like to go out for a cycle.

She said:

“I have been volunteering with Russell for the past few months and I’ve loved getting  to know him and spend time with him and his partner, Kerrie, as they are such wonderful people.

“His personality is fantastic and although he faces hurdles due to his illness, he is keen to get out and about, which is great. When we’re out and about we chat about lots of interesting stories about his career, hobbies and family.

“His active lifestyle is something he obviously misses so the bikes are a good choice for him to get out and enjoy the fresh air. The charity is called Wigtownshire Stuff- cycling for all. They provide the opportunity for everyone to enjoy cycling, which is truly brilliant.

“A typical outing with Russ would involve a few spins round Agnew Park on the double seated bicycle followed by coffee and cake at the café – not forgetting lots of chat and laughter too. I always look forward to and enjoy these visits as we both get so much out of them.”

Lisa decided to volunteer for Marie Curie as the charity provided care and support to her granny Sarah.

“Marie Curie was a huge help to my family during my granny Sarah’s end of life care at home. The combination of support from our local nurses and healthcare assistants was invaluable as they made a very difficult time bearable. It was the kindness shown to us and most importantly my lovely wee granny that made me want to volunteer and hopefully carry it forward.”

To volunteer or to refer yourself or someone else, please email sara.murray@mariecurie.org.uk