Volunteer - Community Companion - Surrey, Bournemouth and Sussex

Guardian Jobs; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate individuals to join their Community Companion team. This rewarding role involves providing emotional support to people in their final stages of life and their families. You will be trained and supported to ensure you feel comfortable in your role, while also connecting with a team of like-minded volunteers. If you have a kind heart and a few hours to spare each week, this is a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in someone's life and contribute to your community.

Benefits

Ongoing training and development

Support network

Recognition for volunteer work

Out-of-pocket expenses covered

Qualifications

• No medical background needed, just kindness and a willingness to help.
• Commitment of 3 hours each week to support individuals in need.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional comfort and conversation to those in need.
• Support family members before and after bereavement.
• Help individuals express their wishes for care.

Skills

Listening Skills

Empathy

Reliability

Emotional Maturity

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

You don’t need to be a healthcare expert or have all the answers.

You just need to be a good listener, show up with kindness, and be willing to offer your time.

Locations: Surrey, Bournemouth, and Sussex

Marie Curie is looking for caring, everyday people to join our Community Companion team. You’ll be part of something truly meaningful — offering support to people in their final stages of life, and to the loved ones around them.

What’s a Community Companion?

Being there for someone when it matters most. This might be visiting someone in their home, offering a chat and a cup of tea, swapping stories, talking about what's happening locally, or just being a calm presence.

You will never be asked to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, and you will receive training and support from the Marie Curie team to support you in your Companion role. You’ll also meet a team of like-minded volunteers who are all in it for the same reason: to help others and feel connected to something bigger.

What will you actually do?

• Provide emotional comfort and conversation — just being present matters.
• Share helpful information or point people to local services or resources available.
• Support family members or carers, before and after bereavement.
• Help people express their wishes for care, in their own words.
• Be a calm, steady presence in what can feel like a chaotic time.

No medical background needed — just these qualities:

• You’re friendly, patient, and a good listener.
• You’re open-minded and non-judgmental.
• You’re emotionally mature and can handle sensitive topics.
• You’re reliable and can commit 3 hours each week.
• You’re comfortable using email and completing a short report after each visit.

What you’ll get in return:

• A sense of real purpose and the chance to make a lasting difference.
• A welcoming volunteer team and a strong support network.
• Ongoing training, development, and guidance.
• Recognition and appreciation for the time you give.
• Out-of-pocket expenses covered.

Whether you’re looking to give back, build experience, or just connect with others in a more meaningful way — this is an opportunity to do something truly rewarding.