MacMillan Community Buddy

  • VO98179


Description

At Macmillan we give people with cancer everything we’ve got. Are you a good listener and clear communicator? Then we would love you to join our team as a Macmillan Community Buddy and help Macmillan support people living with cancer.

We are looking for Community Buddy Volunteers across all areas of Scotland to provide both in-person and telephone support. The time commitment varies and days/times are flexible but those undertaking the role usually commit to approximately 2-4 hours a week.

Selection will be after an informal interview and on successful completion of online training and induction. The training consists of both self-directed online learning and 'live' online group training and will take a combined total of approximately 10 hours to complete. You will need to complete this training within 6 weeks of submitting your application.

This role is also subject to a PVG check.

By sharing your skills and time, you’ll have the opportunity to utilise and develop your skills and will make a difference to people’s lives. Together, we can be right there for people with cancer. If you would like to join our team, apply to volunteer today!

Why we want you
Bring your listening and communication skills to support people living with cancer to feel less isolated and lonely and to help with practical tasks that they are temporarily having trouble with. By joining us you’ll be doing something amazing for people, so they can continue to feel connected to the world outside and helping them find their best way through. Together, we can be right there for people with cancer.

What you will be doing

  • Providing face-to-face support in the community or in people’s homes to alleviate loneliness and help with simple practical tasks
  • Adopting a non-judgemental and supportive approach to understand the needs and concerns of people living with cancer
  • Supporting 1-3 people living with cancer every week for up to 12 visits
  • Completing post call ‘records of activity’ reports and using all required systems
  • Joining group catch up calls every 4-6 weeks to get key updates and/or share good practice
  • Volunteering within agreed hours and following all best practice guidelines
  • Signposting to additional support if required and raising any further concerns with the Macmillan team

What's in it for you?

  • Meet new people as part of a friendly team that makes a difference
  • Use and develop your communication and people skills
  • Have a rewarding experience making a difference to people living with cancer who are especially isolated
  • Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out your role, and agreed out-of-pocket expenses (reimbursed within our guidelines)

Disclaimer:
Our vision is to develop a diverse and inclusive culture that empowers and enables everyone to be their best when giving time, energy and experience. We will strive to meet the different needs of people who choose to give their time, and work hard to improve accessibility – both face to face and online – to give everyone the best possible experience.

Organisation aims and objectives

Founded in 1911, Macmillan Cancer Relief (formerly Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund) works to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Each year they help more than 200,000 people throughout the UK. They provide funding for Macmillan nurses, doctors and other posts, provide patient grants, fund building developments or refurbishments and provide an information service. They can help by giving benefits advice and showing you how to fill in forms and apply for grants. Find local services on the website.

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Flexible

Frequency and commitment details

The time commitment varies and days/times are flexible but those undertaking the role usually commit to approximately 2-4 hours a week.

Restrictions

Experience required: - Good listener and clear communicator - Patient, flexible and reliable - Able to respect others’ differences and choices - Able to demonstrate empathy and understanding while maintaining boundaries - Able to recognise when to ask for support - Able to work independently with guidance and support - Understand the need to maintain confidentiality - Able to travel in your local area - Good IT skills - Able to do 4 hours of training
Travel details: Volunteers will travel to the home of service user or to meet service user in the community.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Expenses are available.
Training details: Volunteers will complete self-led computer training and live online training
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer