Volunteering as a Macmillan Buddy
Going through cancer can be an isolating experience. Our free Macmillan Buddy telephone service will match you to a trained volunteer buddy who can offer confidential support and understanding. They can also point to other services and all the way Macmillan can help.
The service is delivered by trained volunteers, who are supported every step of the way by our experienced team.
Does this seem like the right role for you?
We encourage you to join one of our webinars to find out more about what it’s like to be a Macmillan Buddy volunteer.
These are 30-minute video calls where you can hear from people living with cancer about the powerful impact their Buddies have had, hear from some of our current volunteers, and ask any questions you might have about the role.
You can also explore our current Buddy volunteer opportunities and apply directly.
What you will be doing
As a Macmillan Buddy, you will:
- Provide emotional support over the phone, usually across 8 weekly sessions
- Listen with empathy and understanding
- Support people to talk through their needs and concerns
- Point to other forms of support if needed
Watch the story of Doug and his Buddy volunteer, Bernie, and see how their regular conversations gave Doug a safe space to talk openly.
Asha, Macmillan Buddy
Stewart, Macmillan Buddy
The skills you need
We are looking for people who are:
- Good listeners and clear communicators
- Patient, flexible and reliable
- Able to respect others' choices and backgrounds
- Able to maintain boundaries and confidentiality
- Comfortable working independently with guidance.
What you will get from us
By being a Macmillan Buddy, you will:
- Be part of a friendly team of volunteers and staff
- Receive comprehensive online induction and training, with ongoing support
- Join regular group catch-up calls to share learning
- Receive out-of-pocket expenses in line with our expenses policy
Ready for the next step?
Join one of our 30 minute online information sessions. You will hear from current Buddy volunteers and people living with cancer, and you can ask us any questions about the role.
Join a Macmillan Buddy webinar
You can also explore our current Buddy volunteer opportunities and apply directly.