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Macmillan's volunteers aim
to assist more people across Merseyside
A volunteer led scheme run by Macmillan
Cancer Support is looking to support even more people affected by cancer in
their own homes and local communities across Merseyside.
Macmillan's Community Support Schemes in Liverpool, Wirral, Chester and Cheshire
West provide both practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer.
As the number of people affected by cancer grows, the schemes help people from
the point of diagnosis through to bereavement support, and they also aim to
assist both the person with the diagnosis and their loved ones.
Harry Daniels, 75, from Liverpool City Centre, has been supported by a Macmillan
volunteer who has provided both practical and emotional support. He said:-
"It was Sue, my Occupational Therapist, who told me about the scheme, and
then Linda Towey and Phill Davies came round to visit, and I haven't looked back
since. Phill's been so supportive."
The Lead Volunteer for the Community Support Scheme undertakes an initial visit
in order to discuss what support Macmillan Volunteers can provide, and then
matches the client with a suitable volunteer.
Harry, who says that Phill has helped him in all kinds of ways, added:-
"Shopping was a really difficult thing to do since I've started walking with a
stick, as people seem to think I'm invisible, but going with Phill has given me
a lot of confidence and I'm now eating more healthily as I can get to the shop
where there's more choice."
Macmillan Volunteer Phill Davies says he's been able to build a great
relationship with Harry whilst supporting him with practical tasks such as
helping with Harry's admin, and even sourcing a new tin opener.
Phill, a retired senior caseworker for the Border Agency, said:- "Harry
was really struggling to use a conventional tin opener as he has limited
movement in his arm, so I managed to find a one-handed tin opener online. It
seems a small thing but it's given Harry more independence."
Phill also enjoys his conversations with Harry whether that's about music,
guitars, calligraphy or listening to Harry's stories from work. He added:-
"Volunteering with Macmillan Cancer Support has made me feel valuable again,
a partnership between me and the client; I've learnt such a lot from Harry."
Macmillan Community Support volunteers can help with practical tasks such as
gardening, light housework, or ironing, as well as providing some company and
emotional support whether that's a chat over a cup of tea, or taking a walk with
someone who feels less confident about being on their own.
All Macmillan Cancer Support volunteers have completed an application process,
hold a DBS Certificate and are fully trained.
If you, or someone you love, have been affected by cancer and you think
Macmillan's Community Support volunteers could support you, then please get in
touch with your local service:-
► Community Support Liverpool:- 07525 592611.
► Community Support Chester and Cheshire West:- 07455 758717.
► Community Support Wirral:- 07710 707791. |
