Companion

• Suffolk Independent Living

• Address: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

• Salary: £13.55 per hour

• Hours: 13 hours per week

• Contract: Permanent

• Reference: 0868

Caring and understanding companion required for a 44-year-old autistic man living in Red Lodge, near Bury St Edmunds. The position will be primarily located in the home, for example preparing breakfast, or occasionally cooking basic meals, but will also involve companion duties outside the home. The focus of the position is to help support the cared for within a companion capacity, to help with his hobbies such as attending the gym and playing golf and being active in the community. This is a fantastic and rewarding opportunity to support this man’s wellbeing through enjoying his interests in the wider community. 

The candidate will report to the employer, a friend of the supported. Hours will take place for 4hrs per day between Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with an additional hour on one day.

About me

The cared for has a great love for music, both in listening to records, and playing his guitar. Alongside this he loves gaming, watching films, going to the cinema, and enjoying sports such as golf and bowling. 

Job Responsibilities:

• support with going to appointments 

• support with shopping, to and from the home

• support the client with going to chosen activities 

• supporting the client with waking in the morning, prompting client to perform his own self-care

• supporting the client to ensure his clothes are clean and suitable to wear 

• supporting the client as he is sometimes forgetful, such as ensuring he has his keys, wallet, phone, and other important possessions 

• support with preparing breakfast and sometimes lunch.

Essential Criteria:

• must have a clean driving licence and access to a car as driving is part of the role

• must be outgoing, confident, and understanding 

• will be patient to the supported’ s need 

• experience with autism and learning difficulties is essential to this role and the expected capability

• excellent communication as the supported may need to have conversations or advice repeated.

Summary Conditions:

• the pay rate for this position is £13.55 per hour. If expenses were incurred in this position, these would be reimbursed.

• the hours and times for this position will centre around the workshop activities of the supported. These will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. These will consist of 4 hours per day, with an additional hour depending on flexibility and availability. Additional hours may be available. 

• annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work which would normally be done during 5.6 consecutive weeks.

• background check: A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.

• if successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed.

• trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 3 months.

To find out more

To find out more about the role, please call: 07985 072053.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please send a comprehensive CV (with cover letter) to email: [email protected]. 

Male required *Schedule 9, P1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

If you wish to complete an application form, please visit the Suffolk Independent Living website and quote the reference number 5301 on your application.

Closing date: 21 August 2026