Volunteers

Working as a volunteer

Volunteers have been an integral part of CISS since it's inception in 1993. They now total over eighty in number, giving their free time making a major contribution to the delivery of our invaluable service. We continue to recruit to meet the increasing demands on the service we provide.

What qualifications do I need?

We look for caring, friendly people who are not afraid to accept the many emotions our clients may be experiencing - such as fear, anger, frustration, isolation, helplessness and hopelessness.

Training is within a group setting and it is therefore important that volunteers are comfortable in this environment.

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Volunteer training sessions

Regular meeting/training sessions by professional staff take place at CISS and all volunteers are encouraged to attend.

Volunteers are also offered external training depending on the suitability of courses available at local colleges or through the Council for Voluntary Services (CVS).

All volunteers are encouraged to train to at least basic communication skills level, many volunteers go on to do further counselling skills courses. Training sessions are generally found to be both stimulating and interesting.

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How much time do I need to offer?

We will tailor our needs to the time that the volunteer offers. This time includes manning the drop-in centres and charity shops, attending monthly meetings/training and supervision sessions with professional staff.

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Travelling expenses

Travelling and other out of pocket expenses are reimbursed on a monthly basis.

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Will my family be involved?

No. Volunteers do not give their personal telephone number to clients, nor do they discuss any of the issues raised during volunteering with members of their own family. All information shared is treated as strictly confidential.

Volunteers are not encouraged to see or counsel clients with whom they are already acquainted.

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Personal / relevant experience

Your own experience may help you to understand others, but to have cancer or to have suffered a major loss is not essential. This type of voluntary work may reactivate your own feelings and bring back painful memories.

There is always a member of staff or a supervisor available to talk with you if there are any issues regarding the work at CISS.

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Applying to volunteer

For an informal discussion about working as a volunteer at CISS please contact the Swansea or Neath Drop-in centre on:

Tel: 01792 430170 or 01639 642333 or email us at info@cancerinformation.org.uk

In the first instance applicants are asked to complete an application form. This includes giving the names of two referees, one of whom should be a professional person or employer, and neither should be a member of your family.

You may then be asked to attend CISS for an informal chat. This will be an opportunity for us to get to know you, and for you to have an insight into what CISS offers it's clients

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Volunteering at the CISS charity shops

New volunteers are always welcome at our charity shops. If you would like to offer your services as a volunteer please contact us on tel: 01792 464621, 01792 430170 or 01639 635661.

To find out more about the shops, please visit the section: CISS shops.

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