Macmillan Cancer Support centre at Royal Berkshire Hospital seeks volunteers

MACMILLAN information and support centres – including one in Reading – are urgently seeking new volunteers to help improve and enhance support provided to those suffering with cancer.

Both the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading and the Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, are reliant upon a small team of volunteers to support the work of the Macmillan Cancer Support centre managers.

The manager at the Royal Berkshire’s Macmillan information centre, Liz Riddle, (pictured) said she would like to increase their opening hours.

She said: “At the moment we’re limited in the hours we can open and offer support to people affected by cancer, but with more volunteers on board we could do so much more.”

Volunteer of almost two years at the Reading drop-in centre, Sofia Shakir, said her role – providing emotional and practical support – had proved rewarding, with no expert knowledge required, while just two hours a week would be enough.

“I enjoy volunteering and get so much out of it,” she said.

“I hope I am making a difference to people’s life through volunteering, in the hope that they don't have to face cancer alone.

“Volunteering is more than people think – there is a social side too. I’ve made friendships with my fellow volunteers, and we meet for a chat to give each other support.”

“Just try it to see what it’s about.” she added.

Over 3,670 people in Berkshire receive a cancer diagnosis every year, and each of those people and their families will need support during and beyond treatment.

Volunteers are required for ‘meeting and greeting’ roles, or alternatively to work alongside a professional providing support and information, either by telephone or face to face. Other roles in the centre include restocking and reordering, keeping the database up to date and support activities.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Liz Riddle at the Royal Berkshire Macmillan information centre, telephone 0118 3228700.