Microvolunteering

1. Join our Online Community as a contributor

Our Online Community is a great place for those affected by cancer to access peer support. It offers safe and supportive spaces for members to ask questions, chat to others and feel supported 24/7. The power of this community means nobody has to feel alone in their own cancer experience.

We want everyone to feel welcome and have access to peer support when they need it the most. If you think you can help, you can Join the Online Community to share your personal experiences and offer support. Just 5 minutes of your time can have a positive impact as we see every day how helpful our community members find talking to each other and sharing personal stories.

Talking to others about lived cancer experiences can help break down taboos and support emotional wellbeing. If you would like to find out more about the Online Community, the Online Community team are happy to answer any questions. Please email community@macmillan.org.uk.

2. Help spread the word about Mighty Hikes in your local area

This year we have ambitious plans to recruit 30,000 hikers to take on a Mighty Challenge, but we can’t do it without your help. We’re looking for volunteers who can help us distribute leaflets through letterboxes in their local areas in:

• Glasgow
• Edinburgh
• London
• West Yorkshire

We’ll send your leaflets in the post, and you’ll need to distribute them before the end of March. With your support we can be there for the almost 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer. You’ll need to be in our Action Team to take part in this activity. To sign up, log into your Assemble profile and use this opportunity link.

3. Join us on World Cancer Day

On World Cancer Day (4 February) we live-streamed conversation between Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Nick Robinson, journalist and broadcaster.

This is a key moment as the Government develops its Cancer Plan for England, and we’re bringing together people with lived experience of cancer, NHS professionals, national cancer charities, and community organisations to share their voices directly and highlight what’s needed to transform cancer care across the UK.

Couldn’t watch live? No problem – the event was recorded, and you can watch it back using this link. Macmillan World Cancer Day Event on YouTube.

4. Use social media to raise money for Macmillan!

WeAre8 is a social media platform with a difference, aiming to change the world for the better! Unlike other social media platforms, advertising income on WeAre8 is shared with its users, who can choose to pay it forward to their chosen charities. You can support Macmillan by downloading the app, heading to your ‘wallet’ and selecting Macmillan as your chosen charity. Then, every time you watch an advert on the platform, you will receive money into your ‘8 Wallet’ on the app, which you can then choose to pay forward to Macmillan. 

5. Learn about Grief, Loss and Bereavement, with our online course.

We all face grief, loss and bereavement at some point in our lives, but it can still be a taboo topic for many people. While volunteering with us, you might encounter this in a number of ways; perhaps you will support people at end of life, or maybe members of the public will open up about their experiences, while you are representing Macmillan at an event.

This short course will give you information help deal with these conversations, covering;

 - An introduction to grief, loss and bereavement
 - Supporting people who are bereaved
 - Having compassionate conversations
 - Signposting, and your wellbeing

If you are a registered volunteer, please ensure you complete the form at the end of the course, to allow us to update your Assemble training record.