Volunteers needed in Northumberland

Volunteers are being sought by a Macmillan Cancer Support service helping people in Northumberland.

Macmillan Support Services is a volunteer led service in Northumberland for people affected by cancer, life limiting illness, or who have been bereaved.

David McLaren, 67, decided to become a volunteer having been diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago.

David, a forestry worker from Berwick-upon-Tweed, said: “Being diagnosed with cancer was a shock. I had a lot of help from Macmillan so I wanted to give something back and do whatever I could to help others perhaps in the same situation. I’ve had two training sessions which were great and will help me talk to others going through cancer. I hope there are other people in the Berwick area who might want to step forward and also become a volunteer for Macmillan. The more help out there for people with cancer the better.”

The service, which helps people across Northumberland, is keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering.

Denise Robson from Macmillan Support Services

Denise Robson, Macmillan Support Services Team Leader in Northumberland, said: “There are lots of ways people can get involved with Macmillan Support Services. The core of what we do is supporting people by providing someone to talk to, but there are all sorts of other roles available, ranging from admin tasks to manning information stalls at an event. Volunteers make a big difference to the lives of people affected by cancer - if you have some time to spare, we would like to hear from you.”

The service provides full training, after which, volunteers can decide on what role would suit them best. There is no minimal requirement in terms of time commitment for volunteers.

 Macmillan Support Services has been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and is provided in partnership with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

For further information, contact Denise Robson, Macmillan Support Services Team Leader in Northumberland, on 01670 855533 or email Denise.Robson@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk

·        Macmillan Support Services is providing a free, six week course for people affected by cancer called Helping Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE).  The course includes sections on managing stress and fatigue, body changes and physical activity. Sessions take place at 1pm – 3.30pm, Berwick Hospice, Violet Terrace, Berwick-upon-Tweed, from Tuesday 16 September. For more information, call Macmillan Support Services on 01670 855533.

To help more people living with cancer, Macmillan relies on public donations. To find out ways you can give, call Jane Curry, Macmillan fundraising manager for Northumberland on 07809 554959 or email jcurry@macmillan.org.uk

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About Macmillan Cancer Support

More than one in three of us will get cancer. For most of us it will be the toughest fight we ever face. And the feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many people experience make it even harder.

But you don’t have to go through it alone. The Macmillan team is with you every step of the way.

We are the nurses and therapists helping you through treatment. The experts on the end of the phone. The advisers telling you which benefits you’re entitled to. The volunteers giving you a hand with the everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The community there for you online, any time. The supporters who make it all possible.

Together, we are all Macmillan Cancer Support

For cancer support every step of the way call Macmillan on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk