The Macmillan Cancer Information Centre, based in the foyer of Noble’s Hospital, is seeing an increasing demand for its information, advice, and support services. As a result, the centre is looking to recruit additional volunteers to help operate the service between 9am and 5pm, Mondays to Fridays.
The Information Centre, which opened in 2006, has proven to be a lynchpin of providing accessible local advice and information; not only for those with the cancer, but also for family, friends and carers. The centre also serves to educate the general public and provide them with information, helping to raise overall awareness of cancer from prevention, through to warning signs and symptoms, and treatment.
Anna Featherstone, Macmillan Cancer Information Centre Manager said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our service and without them we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the level of advice and support currently available. We’re seeing increased activity at the centre and more frequent use. On the one hand, you wish the centre wasn’t needed at all, but on the other, it’s encouraging to see people making the most of what’s available to help them prevent, or understand, or battle the condition, depending upon their circumstances.
“Cancer can be very frightening, and that personal contact with people who understand what those with the condition, or what their friends and relatives are going through - but who aren’t clinicians - is time and again mentioned as being so vital and helpful. So if anyone feels they can spare some time and have the skills necessary, please get in touch.”
The main responsibilities in the role are:
• Welcoming visitors to the centre
• Finding out what type of information each visitor requires
• Helping visitors to find the information they are looking for e.g. locating leaflets, DVD’s, books or directing to local ‘on-Island’ services
• Offering support and empathy to visitors to the centre
• Answering the telephone
• Helping with administrative duties e.g. photocopying, filing, keeping displays well stocked.
What are the benefits to volunteers?
• Meeting and working with new people
• Making a difference to the local community
• Improving the lives of people affected by cancer
• Developing communications and organisational skills
• Adding to your CV.
A full induction programme will be provided. For further information, please contact Anna Featherstone on 650735 or e-mail anna.featherstone@gov.im.
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