Good Companions' clients generally live independently and range from active retirees to the more elderly all looking for companionship or support with a variety of other activities.

Mrs B
Mrs B, a widow in her early 80's with good mobility, a lively mind and a wicked sense of humour needs regular reassurance. Sheila is someone to talk things through with and motivates Mrs B to help keep her active.

Mrs B has a supportive family but she doesn't like to be a burden so having someone to call upon each week to help sort out niggly little things, makes her feel more independent.

She has always liked looking smart but now finds clothes shopping difficult so was delighted when Sheila offered to take her into town to buy an outfit for her grand-daughter's wedding. They have also done some on-line shopping together at Mrs B's favourite shop - Marks and Spencer!

Sheila charges Mrs B £20 an hour because she uses the service for up to 5 hrs each month and when they go into town Mrs B contributes 40p per mile towards the fuel.

Mr K
Mr K, is in his 70's and wanted to learn how to use a computer to send emails and to shop online. Sheila taught him the basics and arranged a regular computer group session at a computer class for retired people where he can practice on one of their laptops. If he really gets hooked, Sheila knows someone who will help him buy his own machine, set it up for him and offer some tutorial support. Sheila charged Mr K £25 an hour

Leila
Leila was an academic with an active lifestyle. Now her short term memory is poor and she is lonely. Her son worries about her and living some distance away can only visit infrequently.

He contracted Good Companions to visit his mother in her flat once or twice a week. Sheila understands the difficulties Leila faces with short term memory and she now knows her well enough to chat about the many things she remembers from her younger days. Once a month they go out for lunch which is Leila's favourite pastime!

As a Good Companions Priority Member, Leila pays £20 per hour. When they go out for a meal she pays for Sheila and contributes 40p per mile towards the fuel, or they take a taxi.

Thomas
Thomas is a widower and has struggled since his wife's death to cope with everyday things like meal planning, shopping and cleaning. Sheila and Thomas discussed getting a cleaner and Sheila contacted an agency on his behalf. They now meet once a week to plan meals and Sheila orders the food on-line for home delivery.

Recently Thomas has expressed an interest resuming an old hobby - playing bridge. Sheila found a local bridge group and accompanied him on his first session.

Thomas meets with Sheila for one hour a week but he also pays for another two hours each month to cover the time it takes Sheila to do his on-line shopping. Thomas has set up a standing order for £120 a month for the contracted hours and pays separately for any additional time booked on an ad hoc basis.

Eunice
Eunice contacted Good Companions on the recommendation of her GP because she was struggling to cope with organising the move from the family home into a small flat.

Her stress levels were very high and this was causing her to become very confused. What she needed leading up to the move was someone to hold her hand, to help her make some hard and emotionally charged decisions as well as chase estate agents, solicitors and other service providers. Good Companions was able to offer practical as well as emotional support to co-ordinate and organise the various aspects of the move.

This was a demanding fixed-term contract requiring significant planning and organisation skills. The hourly rate for this was set at £35 per hour.