The Companionship Scheme

What exactly is a Companion?
A Companion from the Linden Centre is someone who volunteers their time to offer a listening ear to anyone that is affected by Cancer in anyway. Many of our volunteers have personal experience of Cancer, or have worked with people who are affected by Cancer so they are equipped to understand the problems that face people. A Companion is not a counsellor or a carer but someone who will build an informal relationship with you just to offer you some support. A Companion is not someone who you would develop a close, personal relationship with, although they might get to know you very well.

What will they do?
Their role is predominantly a listening role, or to offer company to someone who is lonely, perhaps following a bereavement or because they are isolated as a result of illness. They will not undertake any personal tasks, such as shopping or administration on your behalf. However you may ask for their support with tasks that you are finding it difficult to face alone.

Where will I meet them?
This is entirely up to you. Our companions are happy to visit you in your own home, provided you won't be disturbed there. Or you could come and meet them in the comfortable, private environment at the Linden Centre. Or if you prefer, you can meet them in a public place. The companion however, is not allowed to take you anywhere by car, although they could accompany you on public transport.

When will my appointments be?
When you first contact the service we will ask you when you would like to meet with your companion. We will then choose someone who is available to come at that time. We have a large team of companions, some of whom work in the evenings, some during the day and some at weekends.

How will you decide who my companion will be?
We tend to match people according to who we feel will get on with who, so it would help to know a bit about the sort of companion you are looking for. We tend to send males to visit males and females to visit females as far as possible.

How much does the service cost?
The service is free to anyone in Blackpool, Wyre or Fylde that is affected by Cancer IN ANY WAY.

How many times can I meet them?
Your companion would initially arrange 8 meetings with you. You may feel that this is too much or you may feel that this is too little. If at any stage you wish to withdraw you need only phone the staff at the Linden Centre and they will contact your companion on your behalf. If you have 8 meetings and feel that you wish to go on meeting with them then this can also be arranged.

Will what I say to the companion be confidential?
The companion will be keen to build a trusting relationship with you. They will not repeat anything you say to family or friends. However they may talk with a small group of colleagues about the work they are doing. THEY WILL NOT mention you by name in this situation. It is merely a support mechanism for them. The only time a companion will mention you by name to their manager will be if they consider there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another human being.

What happens if I need further help?
The Companion will have access to all the resources at the Linden Centre. If you need information or additional support they will be able to help you find appropriate help or information.