Your Questions Answered

What is companionship support?

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Companionship support is about presence, not personal care.
We offer conversation, shared activities, emotional support, and gentle structure, especially for those who feel isolated, overwhelmed, or simply want more meaningful connection in their day-to-day life.

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You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve companionship. You just need to want more warmth in your week.

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Who is this service for?​

Our clients are often:

• Older adults living alone or with limited social contact

• People navigating life transitions, grief, or health changes

• Individuals who feel “fine” but quietly lonely

• Families seeking gentle, non-clinical support for a loved one

• People living with early to mid-stage Dementia, Parkinson's or other health conditions that cause limitations

• Unpaid Carers looking for respite breaks knowing their loved one is in good hands.

• Those without nearby family or friends to check in regularly​

If you’re wondering whether this is “for you,” it probably is. Contact us here

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How do I get started?​

1. A warm, no‑pressure conversation
We begin with a gentle chat to understand your needs, preferences, and hopes. This can happen during your initial enquiry call or at a FREE discovery video call arranged at a time that suits you.

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The video call can be joined by you and, if you wish, your family. Anyone supporting the decision‑making process can join from anywhere in the world — all you need is an email address and a phone, tablet, or computer to access the secure link. Many families find it helpful to be involved from the start, but it is entirely your choice.

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2. The onboarding visit (required)
If you wish to move forward, the next step is a one‑hour, in‑person onboarding visit.
This visit is an essential part of our assessment process and helps us understand your needs, home environment, and expectations properly. It is secured with a £100 fee, which is non‑refundable and covers our time, travel, admin, and professional assessment.

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3. Completing the essential paperwork
Once you’re happy to proceed, we’ll guide you through the necessary forms using our secure client management system, Carepatron. Family members can help complete these from anywhere in the world. Once everything is submitted, we take care of the rest.

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4. Matching you with the right companion
We’ll thoughtfully match you with a companion whose personality, interests, and rhythm complement yours. Together, we’ll agree on a regular visit schedule and stay in close contact to ensure everything feels right and continues to meet your needs.

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Is there a trial period?

We don’t offer short-term trials, because meaningful connection takes time.
Our service is ongoing, with a minimum commitment to ensure emotional safety and continuity.

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That said, we’ll walk with you gently at the start, so you can feel confident before settling in.

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More information on our cancellation policy please click here.

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Don't worry, you are not signing your life away. Our cancellation policy will be explained at onboarding visit.

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Can I choose my companion?

We take great care in matching you with someone who fits your personality, pace, and preferences.
If something doesn’t feel right, we’ll listen and adjust. Your comfort and trust come first.

 

How often are the visits?

We’ll agree on a regular rhythm that suits your needs whether that’s minimum 2 hours weekly, twice a week, or more.

Consistency is key to building trust, so we aim to keep the same companion wherever possible. There is currently no maximum on how long a visit can last as some clients might enjoy a daytrip with our companion. All subject to availability.

 

What if my visit time extends?

E.g. Dr. appointments take longer than expected, traffic, park or museum visits are too enjoyable...It will be all dependent on companion availability, we are happy to accommodate any extended visits. These will be calculated and charged at the standard hourly rate. 

 

How much does it cost?

Our pricing is clear and transparent, based on the frequency and length of visits.
You’ll receive a full breakdown during onboarding, no hidden fees, no surprises. 

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How do payments work?

Once you’re onboarded, we’ll set up a simple, ongoing payment schedule, with weekly invoicing and payment via direct debit, nice and easy.
We’ll always give you notice before any changes, and we’re happy to answer questions at any time.

 

What if I feel nervous or unsure?

That’s completely normal. Many of our clients start with hesitation.
We’re here to walk with you, gently, respectfully, and without pressure.
You don’t have to explain everything. Just give it a go.

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What if I don’t have family to help me?

You’re not alone.
We’ve designed our onboarding and support to be inclusive of clients without family.
You’ll be met with warmth, clarity, and respect, every step of the way.

 

Can I stop the service if it’s not right for me?

Yes. We ask for notice so we can close things with gentle transition, but you’re never locked in.
Your wellbeing and autonomy come first.

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Locations

​​What areas do you cover?

We are currently operating in and around the Staines area, including Ashford, Shepperton, Feltham, Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Englefield Green, Runnymede, Windsor, Walton-on-Thames, Chertsey and Weybridge.

 

We are only just starting out and plan to expand to other areas in the near future. Please don't hesitate to enquire about neighbouring areas, we try our best to accommodate where possible. You can read more about our service area here

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Quality Assurance

Are your Companions DBS checked? 

All of our Companions hold an up to date enhanced DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring Service). ​

 

Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission? 

We are not registered with the CQC as we do not provide care provisions or administer medications. Our services are to support general wellbeing and do not fall under the provisions of the Care Quality Commission.​

 

Are your Companions first aid trained?

It is not requirement for our companions to complete a first aid training, however, with our clients and companions interest at heart we have so far received training for 3 of our Companions who hold a valid FAA Level 3 Award in EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK (RQF) certificate.

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What about insurance?

All of our companions have business car insurance in place for any travel carried out during visits.

We also hold Public Liability and Employers’ Liability Insurance, ensuring full protection for clients, staff, and all activities we undertake. Copies of our certificates are available on request.

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Rates and Payments​

What are your rates?

The hourly rate starts from £35.00 per hour depending on the package that suits your needs best, please get in touch for more info.

We are currently not required to add VAT to our charge but please be aware that this can change in future.

You can read more about our prices and subscriptions here.​

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What else do I pay for? 

All expenses incurred for the client and the Companion whilst out and about e.g. bus tickets, coffee, lunch, entrance tickets, mileage (charged at 45 pence per mile as per HMRC rate). Please note: You will only be charged miles used during the time you are with your Companion that go over you included package mileage.​

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What isn't included in my hourly charge? 

The hourly charge does not include Companion mileage costs that are over the agreed mileage inclusion of your chosen package as well as expenses for activities, food and drink during the visit. 

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Service Limitations

​Do you provide personal care? 

We are really quite versatile and our service offerings are person centred, however, Please note we do not provide personal care or administer medication. 

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​Overcoming Issues

​What if I'm not happy with the service or the Companion assigned to me?

If for whatever reason you are unhappy with the service or Companion please contact us as we will endeavour to correct the situation. We care about the quality of our service and wish only to leave you feeling happy, relaxed and satisfied during and following our visit.

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Notice Periods

​​How much notice do I need to cancel a booking? 

We require a minimum of 48hours notice to cancel a booking. If it’s being cancelled after this time and depending on reason we will reserve the right to charge at full rate.

Companionship services reserve the right to cancel in unforeseen circumstances. ​

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How do I terminate the agreement? 

Either party may terminate the agreement with 1 month notice subject to there being no outstanding charges payable to us.​

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What happens if a Companion can't make a visit? 

If a Companion is on holiday or off sick we will inform you as soon as possible and ask if you would like us to supply a temporary replacement Companion which we would source from our existing team, subject to availability.

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Personal Data

What personal information do we collect and why do we collect it? 

To provide this service as agreed, we need to store a limited amount of personal information which will be held by Companionship Services Ltd. All information will be stored securely and treated with confidentiality and respect at all times. 
We may record: 

-Contact details of customers or customer connected parties (e.g. families) 
-Date of birth 
-Allergies / relevant health data 
-Financial data (for payment) 

-Next of kin contact (in case of emergencies)
-Any other information that you choose to send to us. 

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This information is recorded only for us to contact you and to support in the provision of the service as agreed and is not used for any marketing purposes.

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You can read more about our privacy policy ​here

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Have another Question?

​How can I find and answer to a question that isn't answered here?

Please contact us directly and we will be happy to help you:

Call or WhatsApp on 0800 0025 035

Email: info@companionship-services.com