Volunteer Spotlight
Steven
Manning explains why he enjoys volunteering for CALL and what motivated him
to get involved...
"My mother died as a result of breast cancer, & I was in a position to be of some practical & emotional help during the final months of her illness. The experience acted as a catalyst for me to pursue some form of voluntary work.
CALL has given me the freedom & support to fulfil my potential as a trusted & valued volunteer within the organization. The initial & ongoing training is comprehensive & confidence building, & has enabled me to carry out my work effectively. Consequently I have found the experience rewarding beyond expectation.
Duties can vary widely, & include; - sitting with a client while a carer has some respite, driving someone to a hospital appointment or leisure activity, providing a listening ear or simply being “on hand” as reassurance for someone should they need to talk to a friendly – non judgemental – person.
I find the work both challenging & fulfilling, & would recommend anyone considering doing some form of voluntary work to contact CALL for a chat about the possibility of developing their potential."
Lynette
Sykes Volunteer CALL South Manchester
I have been a volunteer receptionist on a Tuesday morning with CALL for the
Neil Cliffe Cancer Care Centre based at Wythenshawe Hospital for over ten
years.
Most of the volunteers have had a personal involvement with cancer; my only
sister died of breast cancer, which spread to the bones in 1992. She was forty
with two daughters aged 11 and 13. Rather than put money in a box I give my
time to repay all the love and support she received.
I also represent the centre volunteers along with Peter Thompson who is a
home support volunteer at the meetings of CALL’s advisory group. The
group meets twice a year to offer a ‘sounding board’, support
and advice. CALL also runs training days, support meetings and social events.
As a volunteer I am most grateful to the staff for their efforts in organising
all these.
I also help with the STARS group, a social relaxation session held at St Chad’s
church hall in Handforth on the first Monday of the month. It gives people
the opportunity to get together for a couple of hours to relax, talk, gain
emotional support and, have a good laugh. We sometimes have a speaker or go
on a day trip; the next is to Bakewell.
The following feedback from clients sums up my role as a receptionist:
“Thank you for the warm and caring support from the receptionist onwards.”
“When I felt very nervous about coming it was lovely to be greeted by
the receptionist. She made me a drink and helped me feel more relaxed.”
How can I get involved?
Contact the help-line on 0845 123 23 29 or one of the branches nearest your home (during office hours).
