A TEAM of 25 volunteers who provide support for people nearing the end of their life has won an award for making a real difference to people's lives.

The Marie Curie Companions service, which has helped 290 patients since it was set up at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital two years ago.

Their efforts have been recognised with a Going the Extra Mile award from Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Musgrove.

Hospital chief executive Dr Sam Barrell said: “The Marie Curie Companions service has been a great success and we have had so much positive feedback from patients and their families and carers.

"It has greatly improved the end of life care we are able to offer at the hospital and was highlighted by the Care Quality Commission as an area of outstanding practice.

“Our volunteers make a real difference to patients while they are with us at Musgrove."

Julia Bearne, Marie Curie Companion service manager, said: "Whether it’s being there to give a few hours of comfort, a sympathetic ear or practical information, companions tailor their support according to people’s needs.

"How they help depends entirely on the support that people want and need on the day.

“Our Companion volunteers tell us they find the role incredibly rewarding and we always need more volunteers to enable more people to benefit, especially during the busy winter months.

"Having a supporting, friendly face who can be with a patient is a great comfort and makes a real difference.”

Volunteers undertake five weeks of training to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to become a Companion, including patient confidentiality, communication skills, and issues concerning bereavement and loss.

Jenny Campbell, who has been a Marie Curie Companion since 2014, added: “It is a privilege to be part of someone’s life when they are dying.

"If the family are not sure about something they have been told by medical staff, we can ask them to explain it again.

"We can also signpost the family what to do when the patient has passed away. I definitely recommend it. It’s a very worthwhile thing to do if you are thinking about volunteering.”

If you would like support from the service or are interested in becoming a Marie Curie Companion, contact Julia Bearne at Julia.bearne@mariecurie.org.uk or 07730-751685 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/marie-curie-companions