Macmillan Support Volunteer

We’re working together with the Newark Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service to ensure that local people affected by cancer can access personal, compassionate support right in their community. Whether someone has just been diagnosed, is going through treatment, or is supporting a loved one, Macmillan experts are there to offer a warm welcome, a listening ear, and valuable guidance.
📍 Location: Newark YMCA - Activity Village, Lord Hawke Way, Newark NG24 4FH
What’s the Role?
As a volunteer, your kindness and support can make a world of difference. You’ll be there to welcome visitors to the Macmillan Centre, making sure they feel comfortable and supported from the moment they walk through the door.
Here’s what you’ll be doing:
Welcoming visitors from the YMCA reception and guiding them through the building so they can easily reach the Macmillan Centre. 🏥
Offering a friendly, listening ear to those who want to share their experiences 🎧
Helping visitors find useful information and resources 📚
Keeping the centre looking welcoming by restocking leaflets and displays 🏡
Collecting basic data (e.g., number of leaflets given) to help us understand the impact of our work 📊
Assisting visitors who may become emotional, offering a private space and support until a staff member is available 💙
Answering the phone professionally and taking messages ☎️
Helping out with the setup, preparation, and delivery of wellbeing events like Look Good Feel Better, the HOPE Course, Cancer Information and Support Events, or even joining in on the walking group! 🚶‍♂️
Knowing when to seek support from a staff member if needed 🤝

What We’re Looking For
You don’t need any formal qualifications—just a caring, patient, and empathetic nature. We’re looking for volunteers who:
Are great listeners and enjoy talking to people 🗣️
Have good communication skills and can work well in a team 💬
Are comfortable using their initiative but know when to ask for help 💡
Have basic admin skills (helpful but not essential!) 📝

Your Commitment
We ask for at least 2 hours a week (Monday – Friday between 10am-3pm). A small commitment of your time can make a huge difference! ⏳
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What You’ll Gain from Volunteering
• The rewarding experience of supporting people affected by cancer
• A chance to give back and make a real impact in your local community
• An opportunity to develop new skills (or showcase the ones you already have!)
• Training & ongoing support, so you’ll always feel confident in your role
We’ll provide:
• Comprehensive training with Self Help UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, and our partners
• Regular support & peer sessions with fellow volunteers
• Volunteer newsletters & events to keep you connected
• Access to our Employee & Volunteer Assistance Programme
• Reimbursement of travel expenses (45p per mile or public transport costs)
• A reference for future employment opportunities
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How to Get Started
We’d love to have a chat and see if this role is right for you! To get involved, you’ll need to:
• Come in for an informal chat/interview
• Complete volunteer induction training
• Undergo a DBS check
• Provide two references
• Attend two Peer Support sessions per year (just 1 – 1.5 hours each)

Interested? Get in touch! We’d love to hear from you.
📞 Call us: 0115 9111662
📧 Email us: volunteering@selfhelp.org.uk