Moira and Derek's story

Thinking that his wife could benefit from this kind of support, Derek inquired about the service, and soon they were receiving in-home support. Their Community Companion, Mandy, visits Derek at home every week for two hours, giving Moira the opportunity to have some time for herself.

Moira explains:

“Having Mandy come in each week gives me the freedom to do what I need to do, and it’s probably the only time that I have to myself. I love spending time with my husband, but to have just that little time to do some shopping and have a coffee each week is wonderful.”

It’s not just respite that Moira values as she also enjoys spending time herself with Mandy.

“Mandy is very supportive, and I can trust her with Derek, but she is also very supportive of me. Providing a listening ear and having a general chat is such wonderful support.”

Mandy, who worked as a nurse for 34 years, decided to volunteer as a Community Companion because she wanted to continue supporting people. Each week she tailors her visits to Derek’s interests and will always give Derek the choice of what he wants to do during their time together.

“During our visits we tend to do different activities, which can include playing dominoes or listening to hymn music, which Derek thoroughly enjoys as he was a Baptist Church minister for many years. We have made a Valentine’s Day card for Moira, and also Christmas cards. One of the activities we do fairly frequently is colouring. Derek enjoys colouring in books which have special meaning; with images of trains, or one of Bournemouth, which is one of Derek’s favourite places. On days that Derek hasn’t wanted to talk as much or has felt more tired, we have watched train journeys on YouTube or just sat in each other’s company.”

"One of Derek’s favorite things to do is play a card game which requires matching pairs of places that are located in Berlin, which is where one of his daughter’s lives. Mandy says, “Derek has been teaching me how to say the place names properly! He has also reminded me how to play dominoes. It is great that we are both learning different things from each other, and I feel privileged to be able to sit with Derek and do these activities with him.”

Alongside the activities, Mandy will often make Derek a cup of tea, fetch his favourite biscuits, hang out the washing, or even some washing up, where these little acts of care make a big difference.

Mandy finds her role extremely rewarding, knowing that her time is comforting to both Derek and Moira. And when she sees that more support may be needed, Mandy can link the family back to the hospice for further help to meet their needs. Moira reflects:

“We don’t have family close by, so I don’t know how we would have managed without the support from The Mary Stevens Hospice.”

For Mandy, volunteering as a Community Companion has been deeply rewarding and she would encourage others to volunteer.

“It is such a worthwhile and rewarding service that the hospice provides, and I thoroughly enjoy my visits.”