Volunteering

The Macmillan organisation was started by a volunteer 100 years ago, and today volunteers are still at the very heart of everything that Macmillan and Bolton Hospice do.

Thousands of volunteers dedicate their time, skills and energy to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

Whether you do this for a few hours a week or you’re available for longer, you can make a real difference.

If you can spare at least three hours a week and would like to help people affected by cancer, please contact us.

You will need to complete an application form and then you will be invited to attend an informal chat. We will also ask for 2 character references.

If successful volunteers will begin with a full induction training programme.

Bolton Macmillan Volunteers

Read Helen’s Story

We asked our volunteer some questions about her role here at Bolton Macmillan, this is what she had to say:

1. Why volunteer for Bolton Macmillan?

I already had an interest in volunteering at the hospice, Macmillan shows a different angle on the cancer journey… they offer so much practical & emotional help and amazing support to people affected by cancer.

Macmillan also offer great training and lots of support for their volunteers, with opportunities to develop other skills through their national training programme. The staff are also lovely!

The meetings (& Christmas party) are very informative and a great way to get together with the whole group. Here you can share experiences and pick up ideas.

2. What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

Feeling like you are helping the paid staff to do their work more effectively (by doing the admin etc…), whilst feeling like part of a team. Seeing the positive effect that the help & support ‘patients’  receive from Macmillan, it makes a big difference for people not to worry about sorting finances or getting practical help. Macmillan solutions is another area for volunteers, so it’s varied what volunteers can do.

I like the walking group because it’s practical, but also a relaxed space for people to talk and so good to get outside.

Helen Bolton Macmillan Support

3. Why do you think others should volunteer for Bolton Macmillan?

You will learn new skills, experience great training and as a result gain knowledge. You will meet new people maybe even possibly form new friendships. You will feel like you’re making a practical difference and enjoy donating your time to this.

Life as a Bolton Macmillan volunteer may include:

  • Meeting and greeting centre users.
  • Providing an active listening service.
  • Answering the telephone and taking clear messages.
  • Providing information leaflets and printouts.
  • Signposting centre users on to other agencies and support groups.
  • Updating the information centre stock
  • Undertaking outreach tasks where appropriate.
  • To act within Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service code of conduct.
  • To follow the Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service code of confidentiality for volunteers.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service, please download an application and forward to [email protected].

Please click here to download a volunteer application form