VOLUNTEERS are needed for the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
The information service will move into The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, currently under construction and due for completion this autumn, and up to 20 new volunteers are required to support the existing service and new development.
Extra support is needed to take on a number of tasks including meeting and greeting centre users, providing information and signposting to other local services, administration duties, supporting patients, carers and staff in clinical areas and offering a listening ear to anyone who needs it.
Ideally volunteers should be able to give at least three hours of their time a week. A DBS check will be required and appropriate training will be given.
Julie Taylor, Macmillan Information Manager, said: “Macmillan relies heavily on its volunteers to help run the service, providing support and information to patients, carers and staff. We are looking for sensitive, caring, polite and approachable people, who may have a variety of skills, with some personal knowledge of cancer preferred but not necessary.”
The new centre will provide a modern, state of the art facility for cancer patients, their carers and relatives. It will include a chemotherapy treatment lounge with capacity to treat up to 35 patients a day, complementary therapy facilities and treatment and consulting rooms.
The Macmillan Information and Support Centre and supporting accommodation for patients, which will include telemedicine facilities, will also be key features of the development.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call Carol Larkman, Macmillan Cancer Support Worker, on 01609 764033 for more information.