Cambridge Street Cafe jobs

Community Companion

Freelance | Part-time | Flexible Hours | Cambridge & Surrounding Villages

Some people don't need more care. They simply need someone who has time.

At Visiting Kind, we believe loneliness isn't always loud.

Sometimes it looks like an untouched crossword.

An extra cup left in the cupboard.

A favourite chair that's become quieter than it used to be.

It's the widow who still sets the table for two out of habit.

The gentleman who used to know everyone on his street but now rarely sees a familiar face.

The daughter who phones every evening from another city, wondering if Mum has spoken to anyone today.

We're building something different.

Visiting Kind exists to reconnect people with their communities, one relationship at a time.

We're looking for people who understand that an hour spent listening can be just as valuable as an hour spent doing.

This isn't a care job.

There are no rushed schedules.

No fifteen-minute visits.

No task lists to complete before moving on.

We're not looking for carers.

We're looking for companions.

People who are naturally curious about others.

People who enjoy hearing someone's life story.

People who know that sharing a cup of tea, taking a gentle walk or sitting quietly together can sometimes mean more than words ever could.

Our companions become a familiar face. Someone who visits each week, remembers birthdays, asks about the grandchildren, notices the little changes and helps people stay connected to the life they've built.

What your visits might look like

Every relationship is different.

One morning you might spend time looking through old family photographs.

The next week you could be walking to the local café together.

You might help someone rediscover a hobby they've stopped doing.

Or simply sit in the garden talking about nothing in particular.

There is no script.

The most important thing you bring is yourself.

We're looking for people who...

...make others feel comfortable.

...are dependable.

...enjoy conversation.

...notice when someone seems quieter than usual.

...believe everyone has a story worth hearing.

You might have worked in healthcare, education, hospitality, retail or customer service.

You may have raised a family, cared for a loved one or recently retired.

Equally, you may simply be someone who has always been the person friends and neighbours turn to.

Your life experience matters just as much as your employment history.

What you'll need

• A genuine interest in people.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Reliability and good judgement.
• The right to work in the UK.
• An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
• A driving licence and/ or access to transport is helpful for some visits but not essential for every match.

What you'll receive

We believe the people caring for our community deserve to feel supported too.

You'll receive:

• Flexible work that fits around your availability.
• Careful matching based on personality and shared interests.
• Paid induction and safeguarding training.
• Ongoing support from the Visiting Kind team.
• Regular companion gatherings and opportunities to connect with other companions.
• The chance to help shape a new organisation from the very beginning.

Before you apply...

Ask yourself one question.

Would someone leave their mum, dad, partner or grandparent with me for an afternoon?

If your answer is yes, not because of your qualifications, but because of the kind of person you are, we'd love to hear from you.

When you apply, don't worry about writing the perfect covering letter.

Instead, tell us:

Who has had the biggest influence on your life, and what did they teach you about kindness?

That's where we'd like the conversation to begin.

Pay: £13.00-£18.00 per hour

Application question(s):

• Why does this interest you?
• Can you commit to visiting the same person at the same time each week where possible?
• What do you think makes someone feel truly listened to?

Work Location: In person