If you know someone affected by cancer that needs a helping hand with day-to-day tasks, or maybe just a friendly ear, then a new service offered by West Dunbartonshire CHCP and Macmillan Cancer Support could be just what you are looking for.
The West Dunbartonshire CHCP launched the Macmillan Volunteers Service, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, in June last year. People with cancer, their family or carers are matched with a trained volunteer, who is able to offer a wide range of emotional and practical support. Help is available during the day, in the evenings or at weekends.
A Macmillan Volunteers Service information stall will be present at the Clydebank Shopping Centre on 15 February between 10am and 4pm for people to come along, have a chat and find out more about the service.
Councillor Ronnie McColl, Convener of the West Dunbartonshire CHCP, said: “Since the launch of this service seven months ago, Macmillan volunteers have helped 30 local people, but there is the capacity to help many more. There are so many ways they can be of assistance, whether it’s a friendly listening ear, help with filling in forms and dealing with correspondence, or the chance for a carer to have a much-needed break.”
Helen Alexander, who has cancer, uses the service for help with her finances, shopping, transport, and emotional support. She said: “When you find out you have cancer, you’re in a little bubble and feel as if nobody understands what you are going through. The people from Macmillan bring you back into the real world – you can talk to them and not worry about getting upset, or about them judging you. They are fantastic and I could not have got through this without them – they are the reason I am as strong as I am.”
Ruth Sandison, a Macmillan Volunteer, explained what made her offer her time to help cancer patients. She said: “I had cancer myself a few years ago and received a lot of help from Macmillan, so when I heard about the Volunteer Service I thought it was a great chance to give something back.
“I've worked with two clients so far, and we have visited the Sea Life Centre at Loch Lomond, gone shopping, and gone to the Maggie's Centre in Glasgow. I have also taken supplies like bread and milk round, walked a client’s dog when she was getting ready to be admitted to hospital, and then been to visit her while she was an inpatient.
“Sometimes clients like to get things off their chest and have a good rant about everything that is going on, which they may feel unable to say to other people, so it's good that they get that opportunity to share that kind of thing with me.”
For more information on the support the Macmillan Volunteer Service can offer, or for more information on becoming a volunteer, please contact Allan Clark on 0141 951 6141.
The Macmillan Volunteers Service works closely with the Macmillan Carers Service, whichis also available free of charge to anyone who is affected by cancer living in West Dunbartonshire. The Carers Service provides a range of support to enable someone with cancer to stay in their own home. Those who are caring for a relative or a friend are also offered support and respite by the highly trained Macmillan carers.
For more information, contact Catherine Barry, Macmillan Carers Service on 01389 608128.
