How we designed a project to help people find connection

Our 2024 Marmalade Companions project has come to an end and we'd love to tell you more about it!

Why we started the project

When we've been feeling lonely for a long time, especially if mobility is a challenge, it can be very difficult to find ways to 'get out there' and connect with our community.

We’re all different and we all need varying levels of social contact. Some of us like to have face-to-face interaction several times a day. For others, it’s a regular phone call, or being part of an online group or forum.

Some people will find a busy social life too overwhelming, so it’s about finding the level of contact that we feel comfortable with. Working out what we need and then looking at how we can fill those gaps in our life with the right amount of connections.

With this in mind, we designed the Marmalade Companions project to support people who had limited social contact and who experienced loneliness.

By matching a trained volunteer with each Marmalade member, we can ensure that each individual receives a tailored response that connects them with the kinds of services and support they think would help them.

By building a trusting relationship through regular phone contact (30 minutes/week), companions offer help and support to build the member's confidence, form new social links and access services needed. Signposting to new activities or ways of making social connections inside or outside the home, is a key part of the volunteer role.

Ultimately the project aims to enable our members to step out of loneliness and make meaningful, long-lasting connections that bring them joy far beyond the programme.

It's been fantastic to see our members engaging with a new groups, activities and opportunities in their community; rekindling old hobbies, becoming more active or learning new skills.

This year, 84 people benefitted from the project (47 members and 37 volunteers). 

One of our members told us...

“You put me with such a super volunteer, we had music in common, it has been brilliant. Over the last few months, I have had a lot going on in my life, a lot of change. The phone call each week was some stability, something to look forward to, a very welcome distraction.

She has helped me get back into my music. I have ideas now, and will get back out when I feel ready. We have agreed to stay in touch and I might take a few music lessons with her. I really appreciate the difference the project has made, and the Marmalade Trust's support. Thank you”

Meet Kate, one of our fantastic volunteers

"I honestly don’t think I did that much, but just having that weekly contact seemed to help. I got involved with the Marmalade Trust at Christmas because my friend and her daughter signed up for the Christmas Day event and thought it was something I’d like to do too! I have a nursing background so have seen first-hand the effects of loneliness on individuals.

I think the most important skill that any Marmalade Volunteer should have is just to listen and not to jump in with too many helpful suggestions too quickly, tempting as this may be. Sometimes barriers get in the way of progress which is understandable as the reasons that people experience loneliness can be complex.

It’s been a pleasure to be able to help with this project and would recommend anyone thinking about getting involved….just do it!"

Interested in volunteering?

We'd love to hear from you! Express your interest in volunteering for the Marmalade Companions project early 2025 by completing this short form. Thank you!