Volunteer Companion - Guys St Thomas

Marie Curie and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust have joined together in an exciting new partnership to offer a service to support patients at the end of life.  

Spending time with patients alone or with their families and friends, we’re looking for volunteers to provide emotional support, a listening ear, short breaks for friends and family, help with signposting for information and support, and to simply be there for people at this very difficult time.

In the first phase of the project, your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Support patients in line with agreed boundaries and procedures on the wards of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals
• Spend time listening and talking with patients, family, friends and carers
• Allow family, friends or carers to have a short break while you spend time with their loved one.
• Signpost families, friends and carers to other services, as appropriate
• Support us with the evaluation of the service, including writing a brief report on each visit
• Keep staff informed of any changes or significant happenings in connection with the patient, either in person or by telephone
• Be an active part of the Companions team and the wider team of Guy’s and St Thomas’ volunteers 
• Attend individual support sessions with your Volunteer Coordinator, group support and development sessions as required
• Represent the Companions service positively to those using the service

As the project progresses, and if you wish to support patients in the community, your role may involve the following tasks: 

• Carry out weekly visit as agreed. This could be in a variety of settings, for example, on a ward, in a family’s home, in a care home or taking a patient out for a short break in the community
• Providing one-to-one companionship and support in line with agreed boundaries and procedures. E.g. offering a listening ear, engaging in everyday conversation, doing activities or hobbies together. 
• Driving a patient to pre-arranged medical appointments or taking short trips out. 
• Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet and signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested. 
• N.B This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companions do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact the Volunteering Operations Centre at