Companionship services in Glasgow: a family guide

If you have started looking into companionship for a parent or partner in Glasgow, you have probably found a mix of care agencies, charities and volunteer befriending schemes, all describing themselves in slightly different words. This guide sets out what companionship really means, what it does not cover, and how families in the city usually arrange it.

What a companion does

A companion is there for the parts of life that keep someone feeling like themselves. That means conversation over a cup of tea, a walk to the shops, company at a hospital appointment, help writing a birthday card, a hand with the weekly shop, or simply being in the house so the day has a friendly shape to it.

Good companionship is unhurried. A visit is not a checklist. It works because the same person turns up regularly, remembers the name of the dog and the football team, and notices when something has changed.

What companionship does not cover

Companionship is not personal care and it is not nursing. Our companions do not help with washing, dressing, toileting or medication. If those needs are present, a family usually arranges a regulated care service for them and companionship alongside it, because the two do different jobs.

Being clear about this early saves disappointment later. If you are not sure which side of the line your family sits on, tell us honestly what a normal day looks like and we will say plainly whether we are the right fit.

How much it costs in Glasgow

Prices in the city vary with the length of the visit and how often it happens. We give a clear price after a free phone conversation, and there are no joining fees or hidden charges. Weekly visits usually cost less per hour than one off visits, because the travel and the matching work are spread out.

Some families qualify for help with the cost through Self Directed Support from their local council. It is worth asking, even if you assume the answer is no.

How visits are arranged

The usual route is simple. You book a free callback and pick a time that suits you, Monday to Saturday. We talk through who the support is for, what they enjoy, and what a good week would look like. If it feels right, we arrange a home consultation so you can meet us properly, then we match a companion and agree a regular time.

Most families are surprised by how quickly this moves. Same week starts are often possible, and there is no long assessment queue.

Questions worth asking any provider

Ask whether every companion is PVG checked and insured. Ask who covers a visit when your regular companion is unwell. Ask whether you get the same person each week. Ask how staff are paid, because a service that pays the real Living Wage tends to keep its people, and continuity is the whole point.

Where we work

We support families across Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire and surrounding communities. If your street is a little outside those areas, call us anyway on 01236 359027. We will be honest about what we can cover.