Phone-based volunteers: Become a companion to someone experiencing loneliness

Marmalade Companions

Supporting Marmalade members to make new connections and find social activity in their local community.

The Marmalade Companions Project is a Covid-safe, remote initiative. It’s a 15 week 1:1 phone-based project running March-June 2022, supporting some of the loneliest people across the Bristol, South Glos. and North Somerset regions.

Why are we running the project?

Our Marmalade members vary in age and ability, but all experience social isolation and/or loneliness. Some have barely been able to leave their homes since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and are feeling quite concerned about engaging with people again. We know loneliness can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing and now more than ever it is important for us to support people to re-engage with their local communities. 

Our approach

We recognise that loneliness is a subjective experience, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach that will prevent everyone from feeling lonely. By matching a trained volunteer with each Marmalade member, we can ensure that each individual receives a tailored response that connects them with the kinds of services and support they think would help them. By building a trusting relationship through regular phone contact (30 minutes/week), companions offer help and support to build the members confidence, form new social links and access services needed. 

Our goal

Ultimately the project aims to enable our members to step out of loneliness and make meaningful, long-lasting connections that bring them joy far beyond the programme. By the end of the project, we hope to see our members developing lasting connections in their community, rekindling old hobbies, becoming more active or learning new skills.

Volunteer for us! Become a Marmalade Companion.

Are you empathetic and good at talking on the phone? We are urgently seeking volunteers! Just 30 minutes of your time each week could make the world of difference to someone on their own. 

As a Marmalade Companions Volunteer, you'll make a huge difference to the happiness and wellbeing of one (or two) of our members from March to June 2022. We'll match you with someone who would love to hear a friendly voice on the telephone once a week for about 30 minutes.  Full training is provided. 

Most importantly, you'll support your companion in discovering lasting connections in their community by signposting them to local activities and services.

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Who will you be matched to?

Our Marmalade members vary in age and ability, but all experience social isolation and/or loneliness. Most find that health problems or limited mobility impact their ability to go outside, and some have barely been able to leave their homes since the COVID-19 pandemic began. All our members are in the greater Bristol area, but you don't need to be.

"I'm always so grateful when the phone rings!

I never leave the house and I have no family, so life is the same day in and day out.

Our cheerful conversations brighten my day and give me something to look forward to."

Beryl, 75 

What will the role involve? 

We're looking for people who have excellent listening skills and enjoy a good phone call. You'll need to be able to show your companion respect, patience, empathy and understanding. It's essential that you:​

• Are over 18
• Have an up-to-date enhanced DBS certificate or willing to complete a DBS check
• Provide two suitable references
• Can commit to making a 30-minute call at an agreed time each week over a 15-week period
• Attend two online training sessions (covering safeguarding, confidentiality and how to signpost).

You'll also need to be:

• Friendly and respectful – you may be the only person the member is in contact with so a kind and understanding approach would be welcome.
• A good listener - members may share personal details about their lives. An empathetic approach, and the ability to help people identify their own needs by listening to what they are telling you is really important. 
• Reliable – it is important to build a relationship on trust by contacting the member at an agreed time. 
• A good communicator – you may have to have some difficult conversations with members.
• Ideally based in the Southwest of England - In the Bristol, South Glos. or North Somerset regions. We say this as it's usually easier to verify your identity in person, as part of the DBS check. However we are of course open to applications from elsewhere in the UK if you are willing to send forms of ID by recorded delivery to us or us to check and return safely.

Commitment required

Early March 2022

• Attend a virtual training on what to expect, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection.
• You will also be informed of your member’s name and contact details. You can then call them to introduce yourself and discuss when you will have your weekly telephone conversations.
• Attend an online training session on signposting. 
• Once you have got to know your member and attended the social prescribing training you will continue with weekly phone calls and start to seek relevant organisations, activities, services, and events for your member to take part in where they live. This could include: Meeting people, becoming more active, rekindling old hobbies, volunteering, learning something new, joining new social groups
• Telephone your member at least once a week for a chat. Pre-arrange a time the week before, so that your member knows when to expect your call

March to June 2022

• Continue with weekly phone calls, focusing on identifying new opportunities for social contact and referring on. Calls will end in June 2022.

Closing Date: Monday, 28 February, 2022 - 18:00