Can you spare time to help people with cancer in Brighton and Hove?

Jacky Slater with her Macmillan support volunteer Brian

Macmillan Cancer Support’s Brighton Buddies group provides volunteers to offer practical and emotional support in the home for people affected by cancer.

This includes offering a listening ear and a chat, and help with practical tasks, such as light housework and shopping.

Jacky Slater, who was diagnosed with skin cancer, has a Macmillan volunteer Brian, who visits her at home in Rustington once a week for a few hours.

Volunteer buddies at the Macmillan Horizon Centre

She said: “Having this type of support has made such a difference to our lives. Brian coming around for a chat and a laugh means my partner who is my carer, can have a break and go out for a walk without worrying about me.”

Cancer support centre volunteers scoop award

Roxy, from Hove, who also uses the service, said: “Macmillan Brighton Buddies has been a very positive experience and aided me with my cancer recovery journey. I always look forward to meeting up with my Buddy; he is caring, compassionate, a good listener and we always have a good laugh.

“It is so good having someone to share how you are feeling who is not a family member; he always puts me at the centre of our meet-ups and has been a perfect match from day one. Thank you very much Brighton Buddies.”

Anton Morgan Thorne, Macmillan volunteer services co-ordinator, said: “People affected by cancer tell us they need local support during their cancer journey. By choosing to become a practical and emotional support volunteer, you’ll be doing something amazing for people at a difficult time, so they can start to feel more in control.

“Volunteers who join our team receive an induction and have ongoing training in individual and group volunteer support sessions. And you can use and develop your communication and people skills, to enhance your CV.”

For more information, visit: volunteering.macmillan.org.uk/Opportunity/Details/5876