Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity. They provide frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. Their leading research pushes the boundaries of what they know about good end of life, and their campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best experience possible at the end of their lives.
Below is an overview of all their services, but you can find out more by visiting by clicking here.
Trusted information and helpline
If you, or someone close to you, is approaching the end of life or grieving, you might be finding it’s harder than ever to get the vital support you need right now. But during this time of uncertainty and isolation, we’re here for you, whatever your question.
Speak to trained staff, volunteers and nurses and we can even check in on how you are keeping through our new befriending service. You’ll also find clear, up-to-date information on Coronavirus and palliative and end of life care online.
Call free 0800 090 2309* Or visit mariecurie.org.uk/support
*Calls are free from landlines and mobiles. Your call may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.
How Marie Curie can support Members
Whatever your question, Marie Curie is here to help with practical information and support on all aspects of life with terminal illness, dying and bereavement. Whether you need trusted information or to talk to someone, you can call us, or chat to us online, visit our website, order information in print, or join our community.
1. Support line
The Marie Curie Information and Support Line (0800 090 2309) is staffed by a dedicated team and provides free, confidential and practical assistance to anyone affected by terminal illness.
1.1 Ongoing support from a bereavement volunteer
Bereavement support from a specially trained volunteer where you can talk openly, in a safe space, about the things that are worrying you.
1.2 Befriending Service
Check-in and Chat is our befriending call-back service where you’ll be matched with one of our volunteers. They will be able to provide ongoing support and be a friendly ear when you just need to talk.
1.3 Clinical support
An opportunity to speak to an Information and Support Nurse if you have any health questions or concerns. This could be about anything from understanding a diagnosis to explaining treatments or talking through symptoms.
1.4 Online community
A space for you to share thoughts, feelings and experiences. The Marie Curie Support Line team moderate this Community and are also here to help with any questions you may have.
Services in your local area
Across the UK, we offer local services to support those living with a terminal illness. Availability will vary in areas and due to COVID-19, we have had to adapt some of these services. Below is a summary of the services and how you can find out more.
Marie Curie Helper Service
Marie Curie’s trained Helper volunteers give regular visits to people living with a terminal illness – to have a chat over a cup of tea, help them get to an appointment or just listen when they need a friendly ear. Our Helper volunteers are available to support anyone with a terminal illness aged 18 or over and their family. You can contact us directly to get a Helper volunteer.
Marie Curie Hospices
Marie Curie Hospices offer the reassurance of specialist care and support, in a friendly, welcoming environment, for people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones – whether they’re staying in the hospice or coming in for the day.
If you would like care and support at one of our nine UK hospices, please contact your District Nurse, GP or hospital consultant to talk about how Marie Curie can support you and your loved ones.
Marie Curie Nurses
Marie Curie Nurses work on the front line, night and day, in people’s homes across the UK, providing hands-on care and vital emotional support. They help people living with a terminal illness to feel safe, supported and cared-for in the place where they’re most comfortable.
We provide nursing care in partnership with the NHS. We work in most parts of the UK, but the exact service we provide in each area varies according to what support the local NHS trust has decided it needs from us.
You can find out more about the care and support we offer in your area, and how to get a Marie Curie Nurse, by talking to your district nurse or GP. Wellbeing and support when someone dies – https://narpo.org/wellbeing-and-support-when-someone-dies/
Losing someone close can affect everyone in different ways. Through Marie Curie’s work with the family and fiends of those living with a terminal illness, they have gathered a range of resource to help you cope emotionally as well as handling some of the practical sides of losing someone close to you – https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/bereaved-family-friends
For further detailed information please click here to visit our dedicated member area on the Marie Curie website.