Based in Fulwood, Preston, Side by Side offers flexible, personalised companionship and support at home and in the community.  Built on trust, warmth, and genuine care, our Wellbeing Companions offer a thoughtful, unhurried service for people who spend much of their time at home, combining practical support with meaningful human connection.

Companionship & Support for Everyday Living

Do you or a loved one spend a lot of time at home?

We offer friendly, unhurried visits that bring company, conversation, and a little more ease to the day, helping older and vulnerable adults stay connected, active, and supported without the need for full-time care.

Side by Side is a small, trusted team of Wellbeing Companions who understand the realities of living with health challenges and offer reliable, genuinely caring support services.

What we offer is simple but meaningful: time, companionship, and gentle support.

Whether it’s a chat over a cup of tea, a trip to the shops, or simply having someone there, we’re here to help make everyday life feel a little lighter.

Looking Beyond Care

Loneliness has measurable impacts on both physical and mental health. Most care services are designed around tasks, medication, washing, and meals, rather than meaningful human connection, and we know that emotional wellbeing is just as crucial. Research consistently shows that loneliness and social isolation can have significant effects on health, with increased risks of anxiety and depression, faster cognitive decline, and higher rates of hospital admissions. That's why we offer more than just companionship at home; we encourage meaningful connections, whether it’s through conversation, outings to community spaces, or well-being activities that foster a sense of purpose. We aim to support the whole person, not just their routine.

Join Our Team of Wellbeing Companions

We believe the right person makes all the difference!

We are a small, local service built on time, trust, and genuine human connection.

We’re looking for people who are naturally warm, reliable, and able to be fully present with others.

This role may suit you if you are:

  • a student in a caring profession looking for meaningful, real-world experience.
  • or someone with life experience who would like to contribute in a thoughtful and worthwhile way.
  • You are looking for experience and further training with people who need support.

What matters most is not just what you do, but how you are with people.

We look for individuals who:

  • are patient and comfortable taking their time.
  • can listen without rushing or interrupting.
  • are respectful, kind, and emotionally aware.
  • understand the importance of consistency and trust.
  • enjoy being with people and nurturing relationships.
  • value promoting the well-being of others.

This is not rushed, task-based care. Our visits are longer, allowing space for conversation, connection, and a more relaxed pace.

We offer:

  • a small, supportive team environment
  • fair and highly competitive pay
  • training and ongoing support
  • genuinely meaningful work

Above all, we are looking for people who take this work seriously and who understand the responsibility and privilege of being welcomed into someone’s home.

If this sounds like you, we would be very happy to hear from you.

 

 

 

Funding & Support

We understand that arranging support at home is not only an emotional decision, but often a financial one too.

Depending on your circumstances, funding, benefits, or financial support may be available to help with the cost of care. Many people are unaware of what they may be entitled to, and it can sometimes feel complex to navigate.

While many of our clients choose to fund their support privately, others receive financial assistance and get direct support payments. We always recommend exploring what support may be available to you first.

We are happy to guide you in the right direction and suggest trusted sources of information, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

This may include:

  • Local authority funding and assessments
  • Attendance Allowance and other relevant benefits
  • Direct payments
  • Longer-term financial planning options

If helpful, we can also connect you with professionals who specialise in this area.

We know these decisions can feel overwhelming, and we aim to make the process as clear and manageable as possible.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is companionship?

Companionship plays a vital role in emotional wellbeing, particularly for those who spend much of their time at home. Having someone to talk to, share time with, or simply be alongside can make a meaningful difference to how each day feels. The latest research suggests that not only does loneliness impact our physical health, but positive psychological studies indicate that social connection is an important element in feeling content.

What kind of support do you provide?

We offer a combination of companionship and light practical support. This might include conversation, shared activities, preparing meals, light household tasks, or going out for a walk, an appointment or coffee or therapeutic social events.

Each visit is shaped around the needs of the individual, rather than following a fixed routine.

What if it doesn’t feel like the right fit?

Feeling comfortable is very important. We take care in how we match and introduce support, but if something doesn’t feel quite right, we will always work with you to adjust or find a better match.

Can you support outings and activities?

Yes. We’re happy to support trips out — whether that’s visiting family, going to the shops, attending appointments, or simply getting out for some fresh air.

We encourage connection and gentle activity wherever possible.

Are visits flexible?

Yes. Our visits are typically between 2–3 hours to allow for unhurried time, but we always aim to be flexible and responsive to individual needs.

Why are your visits longer than typical care visits?

We believe that meaningful support takes time. Short, task-based visits can often feel rushed and impersonal.

By offering longer visits, we create space for conversation, connection, and a more relaxed pace, which often makes a significant difference to overall wellbeing.

How are you different from traditional care services?

We focus not only on what is done, but on how it feels.

Our approach is unhurried, consistent, and relationship-led. We also incorporate well-being activities into our visits. Also, as a small, local service, we take care to ensure that each person feels known, comfortable, and supported rather than part of a schedule.

Will we see the same person each time?

Wherever possible, absolutely.  Consistency is very important to us and the key to forming positive relationships. We aim to build familiar, trusted bonds so that support feels comfortable and reassuring over time.

How do you ensure quality and reliability?

We keep our service intentionally small, allowing us to remain closely involved in every client relationship.

We also invest in our team through careful selection, training, and ongoing support, ensuring a high standard of care and consistency.

Is this service right for us?

Our service is particularly suited to individuals who may not need full-time care, but would benefit from regular companionship, support, and a more bespoke, unhurried approach.

If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to talk things through and help you decide.

How do I get started?

The first step is simply to get in touch. We’ll arrange a friendly, no-obligation conversation to understand your situation and see whether we’re the right fit.

"Side by Side has been an absolute blessing. Their companions are truly caring, and the support has made such a difference to my dad's daily life."

Kevin N, Preston

Get in touch with us:

Side by Side

30 Ashfield, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9R2, United Kingdom

Opening hours

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Sunday: Closed

Contact us

Enquiries Tel: 07938 719 898

Client Emergency hotline: 07785 294 417

E-Mail: info@side-by-side.org