Secondary service volunteer
Support people living with secondary breast cancer at a group near you.
As a secondary service volunteer, you'll support people living with secondary breast cancer at a monthly in-person group.
In this section
You don’t need to have had a diagnosis to be a secondary service volunteer.
What will I be doing as a secondary service volunteer?
As a secondary service volunteer, you'll support a trained counsellor during a monthly group meeting for people living with secondary breast cancer.
Our monthly Living with Secondary Breast Cancer groups, facilitated by a counsellor, are a chance for people living with secondary breast cancer to meet others with a similar diagnosis in their local area. Service users can support each other, share experiences, and learn more about secondary breast cancer and its management.
You'll welcome participants on arrival, and offer emotional support if they become upset or need to take a break. You'll help set up and clear away at the beginning and end of the meeting.
It’s been such a privilege to be let into their lives. We have shared such joy and sadness over that time. They are a fun and dynamic group but the discussions they have are also extremely touching and eye opening for me - they give me an enormous sense of perspective on life that I would not otherwise have and I learn from them every month.
Lucy
Secondary service volunteer
What skills and qualities do I need?
- Confident and skilled communicator, good active listener with non-judgemental and non-directive attitude and approach
- Understanding and empathy for the issues faced by people living with a diagnosis that can be treated, but can't currently be cured
- Experience supporting people, whether in a professional or personal capacity
- Ability to give support appropriately and seek support for yourself when needed
- Be comfortable with topics discussed in the group such as death and dying
- Able to work within Breast Cancer Now’s policies and guidelines
What support and training will I receive?
You'll attend a 2 hour online welcome workshop introducing you to the charity. You'll receive training specific to the role and have a key contact in the secondary breast cancer services team, who will support you in the role. You'll have a debrief with the group therapist at the end of each session.
Breast Cancer Now will reimburse reasonable expenses in line with our expenses policy.
What will I gain from this role?
You'll gain:
- Experience in group facilitation
- Developing your communication, empathy, and support skills
- Knowing you're helping make a real difference to the lives of people living with secondary breast cancer
What's the time commitment?
You'll volunteer around 2 hours a month, ideally supporting the group for at least 1 to 2 years.
What are the next steps?
We're currently looking for a secondary service volunteer in Bristol. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month between 11.15 and 1.15pm in Fishponds. Applications close on Friday 30 January.