Why volunteer with Macmillan Crossroads Volunteer Service?
With 2.5 million people in the UK now living with cancer, our challenge to make sure no one
faces cancer alone has never been bigger. That is why we need people like you to volunteer
your time in whatever way you can.
There are many ways to get involved, from supporting people in their homes as a
companion, offering practical help, driving people to healthcare appointments, a little light
housework or gardening for someone to volunteering in our office. Whether its minutes or
months, hours or days, the time you give really does matter and make a difference
As a Macmillan Crossroads volunteer, you will:
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Make a meaningful difference to people affected by cancer and some with other long-term
health conditions or their carers.
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Receive all necessary training for your role and have access to ongoing personal
development.
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Have the opportunity to influence our work through occasional workshops and sharing in the
training of new volunteers.
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Meet like-minded volunteers and become part of the Macmillan Crossroads team.
What you can gain from this opportunity
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Satisfaction from helping individuals at a time they need help the most.
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Talking and listening with others in your community.
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The chance to offer support, encouragement and companionship.
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The opportunity to use your volunteering experience to add value to your CV and gain a
professional reference.
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The chance to use your volunteering experience as part of further education and University
applications.
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Role Title
Macmillan Crossroads Care Kent Volunteer
Reporting To
Directly responsible to the Macmillan Crossroads Kent Volunteer Coordinators
Role of a Macmillan Crossroads Volunteer
Volunteers of the Macmillan Crossroads Kent Volunteer service will develop a committed
relationship with someone who is affected by cancer or other long-term health condition.
This service aims to show people affected by ill health that they don’t have to go through it
alone.
There is an expectation that volunteers will commit to a minimum of two hours per week to
the service. The nature of this volunteering opportunity means the volunteer could be
supporting someone at home, on outings and to appointments.
The types of support requested of a volunteer will vary depending on the needs of the
person they are assigned to. Examples of types of support are listed below, but could be
anything within our boundaries that makes a positive difference to their lives:
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Providing a ‘listening ear’
Support and encouragement and companionship
Light domestic tasks / meal preparation / shopping
Dog walking
Prescription collection
Light gardening
Escorting to appointments
Help with creating a memory box
Form filling
Virtual volunteering e.g. online shopping, helping with social media campaigns
Service support within the Macmillan Crossroads Volunteer office using
administrative/office skills
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Personal qualities
Volunteers for this service will have diverse backgrounds and life experiences which will be
valuable to people affected by cancer or long-term health condition. In addition, volunteers
will have the following:
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Ability to form positive, supportive relationships
Respect for people’s choices
Great communication and listening skills
Commitment and dedication to the service
Understanding of boundaries
Ability to remain confidential
Ability to accept people for who they are
Be reliable, flexible, honest and positive
Work on own initiative with common sense
Know when to seek support
Accept the limitations of the service
Essential requirements
Before volunteers are matched with a service user, all volunteers will be required to
complete the application and reference process and attend and complete an initial training
programme. In addition, volunteers will be expected to attend on-going training as deemed
necessary to the service. Further training of interest to the volunteer can be negotiated to
further their knowledge.
Because of the nature of this service and as support will be provided to potentially
vulnerable people, an enhanced DBS check will be obtained.
Volunteers will be expected to have regular supervision with the Volunteer Coordinator. It is
essential that volunteers recognise the importance of raising any concerns or issues as soon
as they occur rather than waiting for supervision.
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Procedure for becoming a Macmillan Crossroads Kent Volunteer
This document outlines the steps that you will need to take to become a volunteer for this
service:
Please complete application form and return it to:
Macmillan Crossroads Kent Volunteer Service, 16 Reculver Road, Herne Bay CT6 6LE or
email to [email protected]
References
Please give names, addresses, and telephone numbers of two people who can provide
professional references for you. If you have been in employment in the last 5 years one must
include your last employer. Other professionals could include social workers, health visitors,
day centre staff, tutors, religious leaders, or anyone else who has known you in a
professional capacity for at least two years. If you cannot provide the names of two referees,
please call 03450 958001.
Informal Discussion
You will be invited to meet with one of our volunteer coordinators for an informal discussion
to discover what you might offer as a volunteer. This will also be an opportunity for you to
learn more about the service and to ask any questions you may have.
If you would like to check on the status of your application at any time you can call
Tel: 03450 958001
Enhanced Disclosure Application (DBS)
You will be required to complete a DBS form, which will disclose any criminal convictions you
may have. Because of the nature of the service for which you are applying, you must provide
information about any criminal record. This includes convictions, cautions, reprimands and
final warnings. Our power to require this lies in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
(Exceptions) Order 1975 which removes the normal operation of the Act in relation to
specific occupations, including the provision of Home Care Services.
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Induction and initial training
Following a successful introduction, you will be invited to attend an induction and initial
training sessions. This is where we will go over some of the issues you might encounter as a
volunteer for this service.
On-going training and support
When you are assigned to a service user, you will receive regular supervision from the
volunteer coordinator to support you. Further training requirements identified will be met
throughout your time as a volunteer for this service.
You will also have the opportunity to meet with your fellow volunteers at ‘get-togethers’ to
offer and receive peer support.
Expenses
Volunteers will be entitled to claim out of pocket expenses.
If you’re on benefits
You can volunteer and claim benefits if:
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The only money you get from volunteering is to cover expenses, like travel costs.
You continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get.
For further information on claiming benefits whilst volunteering visit:
www.gov.uk/volunteering/when-you-can-volunteer
For any further information on this volunteering opportunity, please contact:
Macmillan Crossroads Kent Volunteer Service,
16 Reculver Road, Herne Bay CT6 6LE.
Tel: 03450 958 001 Email: [email protected]
Find Us On
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print or by email, please contact us, as above.
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Feedback from people who use the service…
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INTO YOUR WORLD
We arrive at your door as helpers and friends
You allow us into your world unafraid
We share human contact where hidden love dwells
Trust is the key forged and made
A cup of tea a valued chat
Sharing your journey of memories past
Or maybe just listening in silence as one
How precious the time goes so fast
Personal commitment with dignity
Respect of your values we share
Volunteers helping hands support
You are not alone Macmillan cares
By J Waters – Volunteer
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