Macmillan Cancer Support is looking for friendly, compassionate and reliable individuals to help them support people living with cancer in Walsall.

The cancer charity is keen to find local people who would be willing to use their spare time to be part of their new Macmillan neighbours volunteering scheme. Successful applicants will be the first point of contact for people living with cancer. As a Macmillan volunteer, they will provide a listening ear to people affected by cancer who are looking for support in their workplace or community, signpost patients and loved ones to local support services, help Macmillan to campaign for change and represent Macmillan at local fundraising events by delivering talks, attending cheque presentations with local groups and thanking them.

Ravinder Wouhra, is a Macmillan volunteer in Birmingham.

Ravinder said, ‘Being a volunteer for Macmillan gives me huge satisfaction. If you’ve spent some time talking to someone living with cancer, it makes a huge difference to their lives as well as your own – because you’ve done something rewarding for the day. I get huge satisfaction out of it. It’s nice to see someone who’s been affected by cancer with a smile on their face. That’s my reward.

Volunteering not only gives me the opportunity to see and take part in things that I would not otherwise be able to, but I also get to work for a cause that I am truly passionate about and it can be a genuinely life changing experience. My confidence has grown massively.’

The Macmillan neighbours scheme is designed to be as flexible as possible for people who would like to volunteer. Ideally, successful applicants would volunteer for a few hours a month. However, this role is designed to fit around your existing commitments. Expenses will be reimbursed, in line with Macmillan’s guidelines.

Ben Toney, Macmillan Volunteer Services Manager for the West Midlands, said, ‘The Macmillan neighbours scheme in Walsall is a great chance for people to meet and work with new people in your community whilst giving you a chance to use and develop your skills in listening, communication, campaigning, and networking. Whether it’s minutes or months, hours or days, the time you give by volunteering for Macmillan really does matter.’

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Ben Toney on 07474 523 424 or btoney@macmillan.org.ukor visit www.volunteering.macmillan.org.uk .