New year, new challenge – volunteers wanted for new cancer centre

If you are looking for a new challenge in 2020 or are interested in volunteering but have wondered how to get started, the Cancer and Wellbeing Centre needs you!

Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust are holding a volunteer open day on Saturday 18 January at North Devon District Hospital to recruit volunteers for the new centre.

The start of the New Year often gives people an opportunity to reflect on their lifestyle and set some goals for the year ahead. For many, these goals may be focussed around doing something to support their local community or to help with a worthwhile cause.

volunteers wanted for new cancer centre

Tasmin Andrew, centre manager, said: “The centre is going to be a wonderful resource for the patients of North Devon. If there was ever a worthwhile cause, this is it!

“I’m looking forward to working with a new team of volunteers and complementary therapists, who will be well supported and trained for their roles. If you’d like to know more, come along to our open day, we’d love to see you.”

The centre will be a place where patients with cancer, as well as their loved ones, can find support at any stage of their journey. The centre will provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, and its volunteers will play a vital role in running it.

There are vacancies for people to act as administrators, gardeners, meet and greeters and complementary therapists.

Volunteering has many benefits. It can help you to make new friends and contacts, increase your social and relationship skills and increase your self-confidence. It’s good for your mind, body and soul, and good for improving your career options.

One of our newest volunteers Marian explained why she was looking forward to working in the new Cancer and Wellbeing Centre: “I want to help people in the local community. I feel that myself and my family have benefitted so much from the NHS over the years that it’s time to give something back. Everyone has been lovely and I’m really excited about getting started!”

The volunteer open day will be held at the Seamoor Unit at North Devon District Hospital, with sessions starting at 10am and 12 noon.

At the open day, potential volunteers can meet the staff involved, find out more about the roles available, the support and training that will be given, pick up an information pack and take part in some group activities.

For more information about vacancies and the benefits of volunteering, visit www.ndhtjobs.com/volunteering or call 01271 313933 or email ndht.volunteer@nhs.net for a volunteer information pack.