From time to time the charity requires volunteers to help with various campaigns and initiatives. The main roles are to assist at exhibitions and events, answer the patient and carers helpline and volunteer at the Mouth Cancer 10 KM Awareness Walk. For full details visit – https://www.mouthcancerwalk.org/volunteer
This usually involves setting up and manning a stand at an exhibition that the charity is attending. A willingness to speak to the general public and dental profession is usually required. All events are different so up to date details would be given depending on the event. Expenses are covered. For details email [email protected]
Patient and carer helpline volunteers are there on the other end of a phone for head and neck cancer patients and carers who need them. As a ‘listening’ volunteer you get the chance to make a difference to someone’s future. Previous experience and qualifications, come second to being non-judgemental and accepting of others. Being a head and neck cancer patient or carer is not essential either though some knowledge of head and neck cancer or dentistry would be useful.
We would like our volunteers to be over 18 years old, openminded, supportive, empathetic, discreet, honest and willing to help people at difficult times. If you have experience of head and neck cancer and would be willing to share this that would obviously be really helpful. Manning the helpline will provide you with a range of new skills and the confidence to use them, including the ability to understand people and manage difficult conversations.
It’s always different and always interesting – no two conversations are the same. Although you take the calls in the comfort of your own home, our team of Ambassadors are available to contact if you ever need extra help. Spending time helping other people can make you feel fulfilled.
Our helpline currently operates between 0900 and 2200 simple because we are limited by resources. Our long-term aim would be to offer the helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We currently achieve this by working with Swallows Head and Neck Cancer
Fortunately, the phones are not constantly ringing, so some days are quieter than others. Our previous volunteers have taken 5 days a week, but we are open to sharing days out between volunteers.
The Mouth Cancer Foundation will support you every step of the way and prepare you for the kinds of conversations you might have.
In the first instance we will send you on a course to learn how to deal with vulnerable situations. There are organisation who provide appropriate training courses. We have found an expert course with the Samaritans called Conversations with Vulnerable People which we will fund for you to attend.
We will also put you in touch with our Ambassador Rachel who has previously volunteered to operate the helpline will chat you through what is required and act as your mentor. This takes place over the phone or via email. There will also be all our various Ambassadors available to contact who can help with any questions you do not feel equipped to deal with.
Basically, you are not alone.
We ask that Helpline Volunteers…
We ask that All Volunteers…
The Mouth Cancer Foundation is a registered charity.
Rachel
Joss
Every year the Mouth Cancer Foundation requires reliable and pro-active individuals to volunteer at the Mouth Cancer 10KM Awareness Walk. If you are free between 0900 and 1600 and can get to Hyde Park in London then we need you!
This year the Mouth Cancer 10 KM Awareness Walk is on Saturday 23rd September 2023.
Duties include lead, middle and rear walking, route marshalling and helping out at the start and finish area setting up the event, signing in the participants and de rigging once the walk is over. All volunteers will be provided with lunch and vouchers which can be exchanged for hot and cold drinks.
For more information and to volunteer please email us [email protected].
Download a variety of free leaflets, posters and educational resources.