A group of Macmillan volunteers are taking a selfie. They are all wearing green Macmillan branded tops. They are standing outside.

How to Volunteer at Macmillan

Thinking about volunteering? It’s easy to get involved – just follow a few simple steps below.

How to get started

To learn more about our opportunities, join one of our online information sessions where you can hear from Macmillan staff and volunteers and ask any questions you might have.

Looking to get started straight away? Then follow the steps below.

The number one.

Find a role

Browse available volunteering opportunities in your area or by type of role. You’ll be able to see details such as how much time or what particular skills may be required.

The number two.

Sign up

It’s easy to start volunteering once you have found a role that suits you. Sometimes you’ll be able to get started straight away, for other roles you’ll need to do a quick and easy registration. Few roles involve an application and an interview.
The number three.

Training and support

We’ll give you all the support and information you need to be able to do your role, so always provide clear briefings outlining what you need to do before a volunteer activity begins, and if your role requires training we will always provide it.

Take a look at our resources section to see all the different ways we can support you.

Different ways to volunteer

There are many ways you can get involved, no matter where you are and how much time you can give.
A woman sitting at a table signing cardsA woman sitting at a table signing cards
Microvolunteering
Wherever you're based and however much time you can give, there are many simple ways you can volunteer your time for Macmillan.
Karen is sitting on a park bench. They are speaking on their mobile phone. They are wearing a red, white and black patterned coat and black trousers. Karen is sitting on a park bench. They are speaking on their mobile phone. They are wearing a red, white and black patterned coat and black trousers.
Macmillan Buddies

Macmillan Buddies provide support to people living with cancer by offering them weekly support by phone or video call.

Two Macmillan volunteers are talking to a person in a Costa. Both volunteers are wearing green Macmillan logo t-shirts and sashes. They are both holding green collection buckets. The person they are speaking to is wearing a dark blue top. Two Macmillan volunteers are talking to a person in a Costa. Both volunteers are wearing green Macmillan logo t-shirts and sashes. They are both holding green collection buckets. The person they are speaking to is wearing a dark blue top.
Fundraising volunteering
From helping at a collection to cheering on our brilliant fundraisers at an event, your time and support will help make a big difference. 
Sal is standing on a stage and is speaking into a microphone. She is wearing a dark purple hoodie and blue jeans. Behind Sal is a large screen with the words Sal's story on it. There is also a Macmillan branded banner. There is a crowd of people sitting and listening to Sal's story.Sal is standing on a stage and is speaking into a microphone. She is wearing a dark purple hoodie and blue jeans. Behind Sal is a large screen with the words Sal's story on it. There is also a Macmillan branded banner. There is a crowd of people sitting and listening to Sal's story.
Sharing your experience
By telling us about your experience of cancer, you can help us make sure that we support people living with cancer the right way. 
Browse all volunteering opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our frequently asked questions below.
  • What will I need to provide when applying to or accepting a volunteer role?
  • I can’t find a suitable role. Am I still able to help? 
  • Can I claim expenses?
  • I have had a cancer experience and would like to volunteer. How long should I wait?
  • My company encourages me to volunteer. Can you help?
  • What if I have a criminal record?
  • How can I prove I'm a volunteer if someone asks?
View more FAQs

You may also be interested in

Search for a volunteer role
Discover the latest volunteering opportunities available at Macmillan. You can view opportunities near to you.
Benefits of volunteering
Being a volunteer brings benefits to yourself and your community. At Macmillan, our volunteers make a huge impact and we have different ways of celebrating this.
Resources for volunteers
Our wide range of resources will help you feel confident when volunteering, such as information about cancer or training opportunities.
News and stories
Keep up to date with our latest volunteering news and stories.