Become a telephone support volunteer
Looking for an ongoing volunteering opportunity that makes a day-to-day difference to people's lives and that you can do from home? Become a Marie Curie telephone support volunteer and offer ongoing emotional support over the phone to adults who are affected by a terminal illness or bereavement.
What are the volunteer roles?
- Bereavement Service volunteer
- Companion over the phone volunteer (formerly called Check in and Chat)
For both volunteer roles, our team will pair you with someone who wants ongoing support over the phone. The conversations will have a different focus depending on which role you choose.
Your calls will take place at the same arranged time each week, using a programme that keeps all contact details confidential.
What will I get from volunteering?
Both volunteer roles are incredible opportunities to be there for people when they really need it and make a real difference to someone's life. You'll also gain experience within a charity setting and build strong skills in relationship building, time management, communication, and client relations.
Will you provide training?
Before becoming a volunteer you'll receive thorough training. You'll also have access to monthly supervision, ongoing support and training opportunities throughout your time volunteering with us.
How to become a volunteer
To search for roles, simply:
- Search through our volunteer roles.
- Read the role description and decide if you'd like to learn more.
- Click on 'Apply Now' button or email support@mariecurie.org.uk to arrange a call if you'd like help filling in the application form.
- Once you've applied, our team will get in touch to talk to you about the role and answer any questions you have.
If you're having trouble navigating the system or you'd simply like an informal chat about the roles available, you can get in touch with us when it's convenient for you.
Bereavement Service volunteer opportunity
Coping with bereavement involves painful emotions, coming to terms with loss and making adjustments in life. Many people find it a great comfort to have someone to talk to about how they are feeling during this difficult time. As a volunteer for the Bereavement Service you'll have an important part to play.
How it works
You'll give short-term emotional support over the phone to the people you're matched with and depending on their needs, you'll speak with them for up to six 45-minute sessions.
What happens during a call?
During the calls you'll actively listen and explore their feelings around their loss.
Want to know more?
Visit this page for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering on our Bereavement Service and insights from current volunteers.
The real highlight is seeing the difference the support can help to make. You feel the change in the calls. Often someone's grief is very raw at the start, but over the sessions the person often feels more positive.
Companion over the phone volunteer opportunity
For those affected by a terminal illness, it can be hard to get support and they might feel lonely. By volunteering as a Companion volunteer, you'll be matched with an individual who needs emotional support and a chance to chat freely about how they're feeling.
How it works
You'll be paired with someone needing support for up to 12 weeks, with each session lasting up to 30 minutes.
What happens during a call?
As you'll be speaking to the same person each week, the conversation may vary. You'll actively listen and discuss feelings and emotions around the person's situation. You may also direct them to sources of information and support.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about becoming a Companion or Bereavement volunteer, please email us at support@mariecurie.org.uk.
If you're in need of some ongoing support, you can request Companion or Bereavement support.
