Being part of the North Cotswold team allows me to enjoy two things I love: connection and the countryside. My background is in communications, where I spent over two decades, but as working practices changed, I missed the spark of real-life connection.
Managing remote teams from a distance made me realise I needed a more people-focused role. Today, I spend my weekends as a Registrar of Marriages — another role that is truly a privilege and a pleasure — and I’ve extended that sense of purpose by becoming a companion three days a week.
Now, my day begins with a drive through the stunning Cotswold landscape rather than a computer log-in screen. Of course, there is still a vital administrative side to the role. By logging my visits and recording notes, I ensure that families stay updated on their loved one’s wellbeing and can monitor any changes. This system also provides peace of mind for both the office and the family, as they can see exactly when a visit begins and ends.
Our clients live in some of the most beautiful villages in England, but these idyllic locations can become a challenge for those who no longer drive or struggle with mobility. Being a companion helps to bridge the gap from isolation to connection.
Morning:
My morning starts in the fresh air. I pull on my wellies and set off with Mrs B and her rescue dog. When you get to know your clients, you get to know their pets, too—and we are both totally devoted to her dog!
Mrs B is wonderfully independent; she uses an all-terrain mobility scooter to ensure she can still enjoy the freedom of the outdoors. We follow an amazing trail through the fields and woodland. After we’ve had a healthy dose of fresh air, it’s time for errands. I swap my wellies for shoes, load the wheelchair into the car, and we check the shopping list a final time. I can usually recite the items by heart now, though Mrs B still likes to surprise me!
Our first stop is a trip to the supermarket to complete the meal planning, followed by the post office to do some banking, and then the pharmacy for the weekly prescription. We then head home and as Mrs B settles down for lunch, I put the shopping away before bidding her goodbye after a busy, productive morning.
Lunchtime:
Next, I visit Mrs R, who finds walking difficult but whose spirits are always lifted by a trip out. We head to a local farm shop and café—a wonderful spot run by three generations of the same family that always offers a proper ‘farmhouse welcome.’ Mrs R loves the drive, and we spend the journey admiring the Cotswold scenery.
The café is always buzzing, and Mrs R looks forward to a hearty, warm meal here. Seeing the other customers, including young children and pets, often sparks fond conversations about her own family, and the animals she’s kept over the years. We finish by sharing a pot of tea served in mismatched vintage china; inspired by the Antiques Roadshow Basic, Better and Best challenge, we rate our favourite milk jugs, teapots, and plates.
We then browse the adjacent farm shop, which has a wonderful range of fresh, local produce. This week, we find big bundles of Evesham asparagus and delicious strawberries, which Mrs R buys along with a freshly made quiche for her dinner. Once home, I ensure she is safely settled inside, and we review her calendar together for any important appointments over the week ahead.
Afternoon:
My final visit is to a gentleman who is a firm believer in keeping moving. He aims for two walks a day, and while some of his short-term memories are fading, his knowledge of nature is astounding. As we walk, he points out magnificent veteran trees on the horizon and spots deer in the distance.
Back at home, we settle in with a pot of tea and after I help him to check his emails, he wants to look at some books on historic houses. I am currently studying Art History, so we always have plenty to talk about thanks to our shared love of heritage and culture. We spend a happy hour planning our next trip to a local stately home, and he tells me about the remarkable furniture collection that they have.
As evening approaches, I prepare his supper while we chat in the kitchen. Before I leave, I remind him to take his evening medication and ensure he has a fresh glass of water with electrolytes to help keep him hydrated. He thoroughly enjoys his food and he looks at the book again as I get ready to leave. As I head out to update my notes, he smiles and thanks me for my company today and says how much he enjoyed it.
Heading Home
Getting back into my car, I take a moment to look out over the landcape. It is a privilege to do this work. Knowing I’ve helped someone stay independent and, most importantly, do the things they enjoy, is what makes being a companion so rewarding.
Are you keen to become a companion?
If you are looking for a fulfilling role that will help support people and their wellbeing, we are looking for caring and compassionate people to join our wonderful team of companions. For more information on current companion roles, visit our join us page.
Want to find out more about our companionship services?
At The Bespoke Life, we work with families and individuals across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, and throughout the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire to create genuinely bespoke support, built entirely around the individual, their personality, and their needs.
If you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one and would like to have an informal, no-obligation conversation about whether our companionship service might be the right fit, we’d love to hear from you.
