Volunteer

VOLUNTEERS

Wallace Cancer Care would not be able to deliver all of the services without the help of a dedicated team of volunteers who work under the direction of the Drop-in Centre Centre Co-ordinator or the Director of Complementary Care. Their role is to meet and greet patients and carers, provide understanding and support and to assist them in utilising the services available at the Centre and if appropriate, elsewhere. Volunteers can choose to work at the Drop-in Centre, Number 7 or at both sites.

Volunteers need not work with patients, but providing that they have the appropriate skills can instead help in administration, garden maintenance, web site development, fundraising or other areas.

What we look for in volunteers
Volunteers must be able to work as part of a team, and be warm, positive, flexible and empathetic. An understanding of, or personal experience of cancer is important, but an interval of at least two years from time of personal cancer experience or bereavement is required before a volunteer can begin training to work in the centre.

Commitment
Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of one half day shift every two weeks. Parking or travel expenses are reimbursed and for those who volunteer for full days lunch vouchers are available.

Training
All volunteers who may be dealing with cancer patients and their carers must undertake an initial training course, which includes modules on orientation, oncology at Addenbrooke’s, understanding cancer, listening and responding skills, understanding grief and loss, confidentiality and health and safety issues. Additional training days to extend and update their skills are offered to all qualified volunteers at least three times a year.

Contact
If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Wallace Cancer Care please phone Pat or Maggie on 01223 596 379, or contact us via email.