Macmillan Telephone Buddy (North - North East)
At Macmillan we give people with cancer everything we’ve got. Are you a good listener and clear communicator? Then we would love you to join our team as a Macmillan Telephone Buddy and help Macmillan support people living with cancer.
We are looking for Telephone Buddy Volunteers across all areas of the North East of England to provide telephone support. The time commitment varies and days/times are flexible but those undertaking the role usually commit to approximately 1-2 hours a week.
Selection will be after an informal interview and on successful completion of online training and induction. The training consists of both self-directed online learning and 'live' online group training and will take a combined total of approximately 10 hours to complete. You will need to complete this training within 6 weeks of submitting your application.
By sharing your skills and time, you’ll have the opportunity to utilise and develop your skills and will make a difference to people’s lives. Together, we can be right there for people with cancer. If you would like to join our team, apply to volunteer today!
What you will be doing
- Providing telephone support to alleviate loneliness and social isolation for people living with cancer
- Adopting a non-judgemental and supportive approach to understand the needs and concerns of people living with cancer
- Speaking to 1-3 people living with cancer every week for up to 12 calls
- Completing post call ‘records of activity’ reports and using all required systems
- Joining group catch up calls every 4-6 weeks to get key updates and/or share good practice
- Signposting to additional support if required and raising any further concerns with the Macmillan team
About Macmillan Cancer Support – Macmillan Buddies Service
Our Macmillan Buddy service provides a lifeline for people with cancer, offering them weekly support from someone who understands what they’re going through. The service is delivered by volunteers, who undergo comprehensive training and are fully supported by our staff and lead volunteers.
The Macmillan Buddy service currently offers support in two formats:
Telephone Buddying – This involves providing company, a listening ear and occasional advice such as signposting towards other Macmillan services.
Community Buddying – This is where the volunteer visits the service user face-to-face in the local community, usually the service user’s home. This can also include offering support with simple practical tasks around the home.
In each case, support is usually provided weekly and for a period of up to 12 weeks.
Being a Macmillan Buddy is one of the most intensive volunteer roles we offer, but it is also one of the most rewarding. As a Macmillan Buddy volunteer, you can make a real difference to people’s lives, at the hardest time of their life.
For more information on the Macmillan Buddies Service, the roles available and to apply in the North East, follow this link: https://volunteering.macmillan.org.uk/opportunities/results#_ga=2.241037760.2118573309.1681215300-1536778586.1670256503&display=grid&s=distance&o=asc&limit=14&include=image&public_search=true&page=1&role_title=buddy&search=Newcastle+Upon+Tyne&lat&lon&geojson=45
What skills do I need?
The skills you need
- Good listener and clear communicator
- Patient, flexible and reliable
- Ability to respect others’ differences and choices
- Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding while maintaining boundaries
- Ability to recognise when to ask for support
- Ability to work independently with guidance and support
- Understand the need to maintain confidentiality
- Good IT skills in order to access required systems and resources
- Ability to commit to 4 hours of online training
What's in it for you
- Meet new people as part of a friendly team that makes a difference
- Use and develop your communication and people skills
- Have a rewarding experience making a difference to people living with cancer
- Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out your role, and agreed out-of-pocket expenses (reimbursed within our guidelines)
Posted for
Macmillan Cancer Support – Macmillan Buddies Service
Interests
- Health and Social Care
Activities
- Supporting people
Details
- Accessibility
- Age restrictions
18 plus - Child Protection Policy (where relevant)
- DBS check required
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Expenses reimbursed
- Health and Safety Policy
- Ongoing support
- Training provided
The training consists of both self-directed online learning and 'live' online group training and will take a combined total of approximately 10 hours to complete. You will need to complete this training within 6 weeks of submitting your application. - Volunteer induction
- Volunteer Policy
- Volunteers covered by insurance
- Vulnerable Adults Policy (where relevant)
- Written role description
When can I volunteer?
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Afternoon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Evening | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Similar Opportunities
-
Customer Service Volunteer (Newcastle upon Tyne)
British Red Cross
-
Community Volunteer
National Childbirth Trust
-
Gardening Volunteers
St Oswald's Hospice
-
Community Builder
National Childbirth Trust
-
Reading Coach
Read Easy Newcastle & North Tyneside
