Compassionate Companions
The Compassionate Companion Service was born from a simple yet powerful ambition: to enable and empower individuals with an understanding of their care choices in their last year of life.
Dr Lindsey Crockett, GP Partner at Peninsula Practice in East Suffolk, recognised an unmet need in her rural practice for unhurried time and compassion where those in their last year of life, and their loved ones, can be supported to ensure they retain control over their care.
Companions enable and empower people referred into the service by discussing advance care plans and choices, ensuring medical teams are aware and able to honour them where possible.
Our Guiding Principles
Empathy
We have the time to listen and ensure that a person's wishes are recorded for those involved to be able to honour
Integrity
Our actions are anchored in honesty, transparency, and the unwavering commitment to do what's right
Community
We foster a supportive network, building strength and compassion through collaborative care
Respect
We honour each person's journey, choices, and dignity with utmost reverence and consideration
Our History and Evolution
From its inception, the Compassionate Companion Service has continued to develop, driven by a shared ambition to support those nearing the end of life, and their loved ones. Our history describes the path of purposeful evolution, highlighting how we’ve expanded our reach and deepened our impact within the community.
The Inception
The birth of Compassionate Companions began with a vision to fill a crucial gap in end-of-life care.
Read MoreRising to the Challenge
Expanding reach and deepening commitment during unprecedented times.
Read MoreCommunity Impact
Over 200 lives touched, marking a significant increase in community support and referrals.
Read MoreLooking Ahead
A future focused on growth, learning, and compassionate service expansion.
Read MoreMeet the Team
Dedicated Hearts facilitating Compassionate Companions
Dr. Lindsey Crockett
GP and Service Lead
Lindsey combines her medical expertise with a passion for compassionate care, guiding our ambition to support individuals holistically and with no borders in their final year of life.
Kate Barber
Clinical lead Nurse Specialist
With an extensive background in clinical palliative care, Kate combines her nursing skills with great compassion and wisdom, coordinating patients and companions for successful service delivery.
Bill Thompson
Clinician
Bill applies his extensive experience as a Speech and Language Therapist within the NHS. to his role as clinical assistant, providing compassionate support to patients and companions.
Sara Moreton
Social Media Volunteer
Sara helps us connect with our community, sharing stories and information that highlight the importance of our work and how others can get involved.
Our Volunteers
The backbone of our service, our volunteers embody compassion and dedication. They receive training to provide information and support, ensuring that no one navigates the end of life alone.
"The most important thing is that we need to be understood. We need someone to be able to listen to us and to understand us. Then we will suffer less."
Thich Nhat Hanh
Unity in Community
Together, enhancing community care and support
