Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre Volunteer

Why we want you

As a volunteer, you will help families feel welcome, listen to the kind of support they are looking for, and guide them to the appropriate services or trained professionals. You will help keep the centre clean, tidy and well-maintained to ensure it remains a welcoming space for everyone.

Location

• Leicester Royal Infirmary, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, Osborne Building Reception.
• The team consists of 2 Macmillan Information and Support Officers, a Macmillan Information Assistant, a Hair loss advisor and one volunteer. It is open from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

What will you be doing?

• One or two sessions per week as minimum.
• A session will usually be 9-1pm or 1pm – 4.30 pm (negotiable).
• Ideally for volunteers to commit to 4 months or more.
• Be a visible presence to welcome patients and visitors into the centre.
• Direct / walk patients to their appointments or pharmacy.
• Keeping the Centre tidy and maintaining a welcoming environment for people attending the centre.
• Maintaining stock levels of information materials and ordering stock as necessary.
• Making up information packs as necessary.
• Office duties such as printing, photocopying and filing.
• Stocktaking and sales of headwear (under the supervision of the Information Officer and Assistant). This will include handling money.
• After agreement with the Information Officer, the volunteer may undertake further training to support with outreach works such as visiting wards, support groups, checking patient information stands cross site.

The skills you need

• There will be a Trust induction followed by support and training from the Macmillan Information and Support Officer.
• To improve our patient experience by having someone to meet and greet our visitors.

What's in it for you?

• Sense of Purpose: Helping others, especially those in vulnerable situations, can provide a strong sense of meaning.
• Emotional Reward: Seeing the positive impact of your support on patients and their families can be incredibly uplifting.
• Communication Skills: Volunteers often improve their ability to listen, empathise, and communicate clearly.
• Problem-Solving: Supporting patients may involve navigating emotional or logistical challenges.
• Teamwork: Working alongside healthcare professionals and other volunteers fosters collaboration.