Why I became a hospice Community Companion

Liz’s story

Ten years ago, I was driving home when I heard an advert on the radio asking for volunteers.

I was about to retire from my career as a nurse, and I wanted to maintain that connection with people. When I got home I told my husband I was going to apply, and he said he would too. We’ve never looked back: it has suited us down to the ground.

The training was very comprehensive and included advice on how to conduct ourselves and know our boundaries. We were taught what to say, what not to say, and how much detail to share about our own personal lives.

The team in the office matches you with a patient and they have always done it extremely well. I’ve supported around ten people in the past ten years, and they have been some of the nicest people I’ve ever encountered. At the end of our time together, we often say that if we’d met in another life we probably would have been friends.

I’ve found it fascinating, learning about people’s lives and what they’ve achieved, and hearing about their families.

As well as providing support and company, our visits also mean partners and families get some respite. You can see they’re so grateful for those two hours to do something for themselves.

Often, my visits feel like a coffee morning – we just chat and laugh together. But if they have worries, I can listen to them, and if it’s appropriate I’ll speak to St Barnabas House about accessing further support.

Volunteering as a Community Companion gives me a wonderful sense of satisfaction. It’s almost like a continuation of my working life, but on a more friendly basis. You feel you are really getting to know somebody.

Becoming a Community Companion has made me feel useful again and that I still have something to give outside my family life.

John’s story

When Elizabeth and I heard about the Community Companions scheme, we thought that as well as serving some useful purpose for patients, it would be interesting and enjoyable for us too.

I was impressed by the level of detail in our training. We were told very clearly what would be expected of us, what we could do and what we couldn’t do.

Nevertheless, I felt apprehensive when I was matched with my first patient. Whenever you meet a new person, you wonder how you are going to get on with them. That’s especially true when they are unwell and you don’t know how they are feeling about it.

My first patient was a little over half my age and initially I found that difficult. To meet a young person with a serious illness was a sobering experience. However, we got on well and enjoyed our weekly get-togethers.

Another elderly patient had no wish to talk to me. Instead, I sat and read a book while he rested.

It’s always possible to find common ground with a patient.

I think what I’ve learned from being a Community Companion is patience. As I have got older, I tend to be less patient, but doing this work reminds how important it is.