A Year of Reflection and Growth

As the year draws to a close, it feels right to pause and look back, not just at milestones or awards, but at the everyday moments, the challenges, and the joys that have shaped Companionship Services. This isn’t a polished corporate report; it’s a lived account of what has unfolded, the ups and downs, and the difference we’ve seen in people’s lives.

PS: Exciting things happened just as the year grew to a close. See below

What Our Clients Experienced

This year has been full of everyday moments that remind us why we do what we do.

• Everyday independence: shopping trips to choose their own fridge fillers and ingredients, visits to pharmacies, opticians, and doctor’s appointments, plus enabling visits to loved ones in care homes.

• Memorable outings: adventures to Hampton Court Palace, Bushy Park, Richmond Park, Isabella Plantation, Ham House, river cruises, libraries, arts centres, and local markets.

• Community connection: joining local events such as the Parkinson’s gathering, dementia-friendly markets, and other community fairs.

• Practical support at home: help with online shopping, emails, paperwork, decluttering, tidying cupboards, seasonal wardrobe changes, hoovering, cooking, baking, and buying gifts for family.

• Daily organisation: making phone calls, arranging appointments, updating diaries, and welcoming visiting notes to keep families informed.

• Health and wellbeing: support with exercise, swimming, Dance for Health activities, reminiscence sessions, and sensory engagement.

• Emotional support: being a listening ear during sad or grieving times, chatting about anything, and offering trusted companionship.

• Consistent presence: becoming a friend and reliable visitor. Clients often wait by the door ready for their visits.

• Family reassurance: families express gratitude for the reassurance and the chance to focus on their busy lives.

• Respite for carers: giving carers much-needed breaks, improving relationships, and easing the weight of responsibility.

These aren’t one-off stories; they’re happening every day, and they’re the heartbeat of Companionship Services.

January – Setting Intentions

January always feels like a reset. After the whirlwind of launching Companionship Services, it was time to pause, breathe, and set our values in stone. The aim was simple but profound: to change the narrative for older people.

February – Expanding Our Reach

February was about stepping out further. A feature in Village Matters magazine introduced us to more households. Scam-awareness resources were added to our starter packs with the help of Bill Cunningham and Trading Standards. At Shepperton Greeno Centre, we partnered with Purple Angels, offering respite support to one of their visitors. We became an accredited Age-Friendly Employer, sponsored Ascot Golf Club, and joined care information events to share what we do.

March – Building Strength Together

March was quieter but important. The team took part in training and team-building, strengthening bonds and skills. These behind-the-scenes moments matter just as much as the public ones, and each session reminded us that adapting together is how we grow.

Team changes at start-up are inevitable, with many aspects to consider. This meant a couple of changes were required to adapt to our growth, and each one taught us something new. Learning along the way has been part of the journey, and every adjustment has helped shape a stronger, more resilient team.

April – Outings and Adventures

April brought brighter days and joyful outings. Hampton Court Palace, Isabella Plantation, swimming at the local pool, Dance for Health, shopping trips, and medical appointments filled the calendar. We updated our Help Hub to make it more useful, and I took part in “I Am a Director, Get Me Out of Here”. Yes, snakes, spiders, and even a fermented herring smoothie with a fisheye garnish. Courage and humour were tested that day!

May – Milestones and Meaning

May was full of pride. Heartfelt reviews reminded us that the real reward is knowing lives are changed. We celebrated our first anniversary and honoured the fallen with a VE Day 80th anniversary river outing. Social media grew thanks to Debs, and we joined the Dementia Street Market during Dementia Action Week with Dementia Friendly Spelthorne, Visit Staines, and Spelthorne Borough Council.

June – Loneliness Awareness and Hidden Treasures

June reminded us why this work matters. Another heartfelt review came in, saying plainly: what we do really does change lives. During Loneliness Awareness Week, we shared information on events, organisations, and places that help tackle isolation. Loneliness can happen at any age, and in today’s world of endless scrolling and busy commitments, many are left with a void. Reconnecting with our five senses; through community, conversation, and shared experiences, bring joy, purpose, and belonging.

We enjoyed outings with clients, including visits to the Walled Gardens in Sunbury, a beautiful hidden treasure. Summer also meant community events: our stall at the Shepperton Fair (where I couldn’t resist freshly baked brownies and met so many lovely visitors and stall holders) and being invited back to the Spelthorne Business Plan presentation as a previous winner. We also attended at the ever so popular Staines-upon-Thames Day, raising money for Dementia UK with our stall raffle. Ending with the highlight winning best decorated duck in the Midas duck race.

July – Connection and Fairness

July was busy and meaningful. We supported at a Parkinson’s event, enabling one client to attend. As part of Dementia Friendly Richmond, we joined their monthly meeting at Barnes Common, taking part in a dementia-friendly walk filled with history and sensory activities. July also marked becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer - fairness and appreciation for every team member is non-negotiable.

August – Letting Go and Trusting the Team

August was a turning point. Preparing for a family holiday was nerve-wracking, making sure everything was in place so I could step away. Responsibility for staff and clients is heavy, but Benny stepped in with care and dedication. It was a reminder that adapting as a team is what keeps us strong. Time in Germany with family was precious, even if business owners never fully switch off. Coming back, I felt ready to roll into September with new energy.

September – Energy, Music, Awareness, and Team Spirit

September was full of life. Together with Nostrano Lounge in Staines, we organised a dementia-inclusive over-60s disco, with music bringing joy and connection. We joined Dementia Friendly Spelthorne for World Alzheimer’s Month stalls in Staines. Monthly team meetings began, giving everyone a chance to catch up and share challenges. Employee of the Month

awards were launched, and our newsletter returned, packed with updates thanks to Debs. These changes showed how we keep adapting, learning, and celebrating together.

October – Recognition and Reality Checks

October brought the long-awaited Spelthorne Business Awards. Dressing to the nines and being among other fantastic business owners was a joy. We made runner-up in both Best New Start-Up and Best Social Impact. What an achievement after less than 18 months of existence.

But behind the scenes, there’s always more. We continued to share support for organisations helping older people, learning what they do so we can signpost clients quickly and specifically. Much of this feels like a secret mission, quiet work happening in the background that eventually shows up in the form of events.

On a personal note, history became part of our visits too. Taking my kids to Runnymede with the National Trust, we learned about the Magna Carta and even discovered that part of the grounds is considered American soil. Passing these stories on matters - it’s about connection across generations.

November – Learning and Resilience

November was about learning. Mentorship sessions with Business Surrey gave invaluable advice, even if there wasn’t always time to implement everything at once. Running a business takes patience, consistency, passion, and belief. Doubts creep in, but the problems we’re solving are bigger than us. We also discovered The Green Doctors, who provide free energy-saving advice and materials, a resource we were proud to share.

December – Ending with Gratitude and Connection

December was about ending with heart. Advertising in Village Matters magazine reached thousands of homes, plus we had 1,000 flyers delivered across Sunbury-on-Thames. Meetings with social prescribers strengthened referral pathways. Running a fun wreath making workshop to add to the festive spirit in the community. And preparations for growth in 2026 began with hiring a VA and advertising for new team members. Most importantly it was a time to thank our clients for placing their trust in us and allowing us to be part of their lives, each client received a handmade gift and personalised card. Time and thought matters most.

So with all this being said. I worked on a little something special, an extra helping of cheese;) Our very own Anthem inspired by our clients journey.

Watch the short version or the full experience

Closing Reflections – Reset and Resolve

Funding has been a struggle. Every grant application takes hours, and every rejection stings. It feels at times like older people are written off, while funding flows to tech and AI products. But we will fight for older people. Pre-care is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline that changes peoples lives.

Running a new business means risk, and yes, sometimes the thought comes: am I really cut out for this? But feedback from clients, families, and the difference we see every day spurs us on. Challenges around staffing, structure, and mindset are real, but so is the impact.

As the year ends, it’s time to take stock. There’s no rush in growing, we’d rather do it right, without stress, and trust that things will work out.

Thank you

Anja