Become a Marie Curie telephone support volunteer

Make a day-to-day difference

Looking for an ongoing volunteering opportunity that makes a day-to-day difference to people's lives and that you can do from home? Volunteer with us and offer ongoing emotional support to adults who are affected by terminal illness or bereavement.

Is this role right for me?

Friendly and non-judgemental

The role involves supporting people in a non-judgmental and empathetic way.

A good listener

You’ll feel comfortable listening to someone tell you what’s on their mind. They might talk to you about all sorts of emotions or concerns they have.

Interested in an ongoing commitment

You’re looking to dedicate a few hours a week to giving back and supporting people affected by terminal illness.

You want to offer direct support

By supporting people affected by terminal illness, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in someone's day-to-day life.

We’re here to support you

Thorough training

You’ll learn about active listening and how to handle challenging conversations. You’ll also have practice sessions with a Marie Curie staff member.

Ongoing support

After the initial training you’ll receive monthly individual supervision support sessions to give you an opportunity to look after yourself in the role and talk things through.

Build on your skills

We want your time volunteering to be enjoyable and rewarding. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to thrive in your role and have ongoing training opportunities.

Flexibility

Whether you’re going on holiday or simply need to step away, we can work around your schedule.

Bereavement Support Service

Many people find it a great comfort to have someone to talk to as they cope with bereavement and come to terms with loss. As a volunteer for the Bereavement Service, you’ll be there to provide short-term emotional support over the phone to the people you’re matched with.

View available roles

Companion over the phone service

It can be hard for people living with a terminal illness to get support and they might feel lonely. By volunteering as a Companion over the phone volunteer, you'll be paired with an individual who needs emotional support and a chance to chat freely about how they're feeling.

Find out more

Telephone volunteer frequently asked questions

Online Community

Some people living with a terminal illness may not feel comfortable speaking to someone in-person or over the phone. Our Online Community offers a safe and supportive place for people living with a terminal illness and those close to them.

As an Online Community volunteer, you’ll offer support in the online community forums, helping people feel heard and supported.

Become a telephone support and Online Community volunteer

Make a day-to-day difference

Is this role right for me?

Friendly and non-judgemental

A good listener

Interested in an ongoing commitment

You want to offer direct support

We’re here to support you

Thorough training

Ongoing support

Build on your skills

Flexibility

Bereavement Support Service

Companion over the phone service

Telephone volunteer frequently asked questions

Do I need experience in counselling or on a telephone helpline?

What does the role involve?

What will people I’m paired with expect from me?

Do I need any equipment? How do the calls work technically?

What about privacy?

How much time do I need to give?

What if I have safeguarding or suicide concerns about a client?

What if I don’t get on with the person I am matched with?

Will I need references and a DBS check?

Can I volunteer different hours each week?

Online Community

Online Community volunteer frequently asked questions

What experience do I need?

What does the role involve?

What will people using the Online Community expect from me?

Do I need any equipment?

How much time do I need to give?

What if I have safeguarding or suicide concerns about a community member?

Will I need references and a DBS check?

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