Clear answers before you begin

Our service is for adults aged 18 and over who would value companionship, regular conversation, support to take part in social activities or company for everyday outings.

We currently serve Middlesbrough, Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Richmond in North Yorkshire, Shildon, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Ferryhill, Spennymoor and Chilton. Contact us if you live nearby and we will confirm whether we can support your location.

No. We provide non-regulated companionship and befriending only. We do not provide personal care, medication administration, nursing, clinical services or social work services.

Home companionship has a one-hour minimum. Social outings and appointment companionship have a two-hour minimum.

A companion can meet you and accompany you during an appointment or outing. Clients are not transported in staff vehicles. Any public transport, taxi, entry or activity costs are paid by the client, and any companion expenses are agreed in advance.

Yes, we can provide shopping companionship. The client remains in control of their money, payment cards and PIN at all times. Companions do not borrow money or make private financial arrangements with clients.

Calls take place at agreed times. You may book individual calls or choose a monthly package of 4, 8 or 12 calls. Each monthly-package call lasts 20 minutes. Telephone befriending is not an emergency helpline.

We complete safer recruitment checks and consider each companion’s suitability. Matching takes account of personality, interests, availability and the support requested. We aim to provide consistency wherever possible.

Only where the client has agreed. We discuss what information may be shared, with whom and how often. The client’s wishes, privacy and consent remain central.

We start with a free introductory call followed by a free Get to Know You Meeting of up to 45 minutes. We then agree the companionship plan, schedule, boundaries, emergency contacts and pricing before support begins.

We send invoices by email through FreeAgent. Payment is made by bank transfer to the Lumejej Companions Ltd business account using the invoice number as the payment reference. For security, our bank details are shown on the invoice and are not published on this website.

Invoices are due within 7 days. If a booking starts sooner, payment is due before the first visit or call. Monthly companionship and telephone befriending packages are paid in advance.

Yes. We match the bank payment to the invoice in FreeAgent and send a payment confirmation or receipt. Please contact us if you believe you have paid but have not received confirmation.

Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the booking are not charged. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged at 50%. If a companion has already arrived, the full booking charge applies.

Any additional time must be agreed and is charged in 30-minute blocks, subject to the companion’s availability.

We listen, consider immediate safety, record the concern and report it to the Safeguarding Lead. Where necessary, information may be shared with emergency services, the local authority safeguarding team or another appropriate body.

Contact Lumejej Companions directly and explain what has happened. You can also email your complaint to hello@lumejejcompanions.co.uk. We will acknowledge the concern, record it and respond through our complaints or safeguarding process as appropriate.

Make an enquiry through the website. We will arrange a friendly, no-pressure introductory call to answer your questions and discuss what kind of companionship may be suitable.