Join us!
Thousands of volunteers dedicate time and energy to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
Why volunteer?
Gain new experiences working with us, have fun, share your skills, and together we will change lives.
What can I get involved in?
Tireless fundraising by volunteers goes towards providing essential cancer care, but it's not only by raising money that volunteers can make a big contribution. Below are some of the activities that our team of volunteers get involved in.
Find out what roles we're currently recruiting for in your area
Latest news
During Volunteers' Week 2008, the Prime Minister welcomed two Macmillan volunteers into 10 Downing Street at a reception to celebrate volunteering.
Chris Lewis attended the reception with Sadiq Khan MP for Tooting, which is where Chris received his cancer treatment. Chris is now a mentor to other people affected by cancer at St George's hospital, and also volunteers in the Macmillan London special events team.
"It was great to meet the Prime Minister and talk to him about volunteering, he was interested in the work I do at the hospital, giving advice and support to cancer patients and also how I help out at Macmillan organising special events to raise money," said Chris.
"It is important for me to give something back, after all the amazing help that both the NHS and Macmillan have given to me in helping me to get my life back after cancer. Volunteering helps me too; I am attending a Macmillan training course to improve my support skills."
Liz Waite also attended with her local MP, Ann Keen, who is the Cancer Minister. Liz regularly speaks at events for Macmillan and has raised nearly £30,000 for us.
"It was a real privilege to be invited to meet the Prime Minister and his wife Sarah at the Volunteers' Reception. The Prime Minister showed great interest in the work of 
volunteers and gave a motivating speech of thanks to all those present," said Liz.
"I have been on my cancer journey for over eight years and have needed both the emotional and practical help from my Macmillan Nurses. I have been motivated to raise much needed funds and increase public awareness for this exceptional charity."
Special thanks to Moira Cane, our volunteer co-ordinator who works to place volunteers within Macmillan and helped find our volunteers for the event.
Give talks or presentations to groups or schools
Volunteers give talks on Macmillan to groups and schools to highlight our work for people affected by cancer and encourage fundraising.
Be a Macmillan Ambassador in your area
Our Ambassadors play a vital role by representing Macmillan in a variety of ways. Often supporting other volunteers in their local community, our Ambassadors may also give talks to Rotary clubs, coordinate public collections, distribute promotional leaflets, collect and deliver Macmillan merchandise to other volunteers (flexible time commitment).
'I'm a member of council for Macmillan as well as a Community Ambassador for the Greater Manchester area. There's no typical month with the work I do…I may go to pick up a fundraiser's cheque, attend a working group meeting, give a talk to the local Rotary club, or just help out with a collection at our local supermarket. Trying to juggle all of this with my full-time job takes some forward planning…but I'll do whatever I can for Macmillan.'
Stefan Wolosiansky, Community Ambassador for the Greater Manchester area
Join or start a fundraising group
Fundraising groups and committees raise over £7 million annually for people affected by cancer. New members are required for enthusiastic groups across the UK, or could you start a new group in your area?
'It was because of the support our family was given by Macmillan nurses that I got involved in volunteering.
'The satisfaction I get comes from raising funds that will improve people's lives. In a good year we'll raise £9,000. I also get a lot out of meeting people - many talk about their experiences of cancer.'
Joyce Santos, Chairperson of the Warrington committee
Assist in our offices
Macmillan offices are supported by volunteers using their professional skills, from answering the phone or helping with accounts to coordinating volunteer teams.
'No day is ever boring…at the moment we're really busy getting ready for the World's Biggest Coffee Morning. It's good to know that the money from these events and the work I do as a volunteer will make a real difference to people affected by cancer – people who include my friends.'
Jacquie Davis, volunteer in the Coventry and Warwickshire office
Do an internship or work placement
If you're a student, graduate or considering a change in career we've got opportunities for you to build on your existing skills and gain new ones. Our internship scheme will interest you if you're looking for a placement in events, fundraising or marketing and PR and have an interest in the charity sector.
'I work at a design brand company for four days a week and on my fifth day I help out at Macmillan's fundraising office in Kent.
'A lot of my work is admin but I've also been encouraged to be creative. I designed the posters to publicise the funds appeal for the Macmillan cancer care unit at Medway Maritime Hospital. Overall, it's been a great experience, the highlight being meeting more Macmillan nurses at my local hospital.'
Jess Evans, volunteer in Kent office
Be an employee volunteer
Macmillan is committed to engaging with corporate companies whose employees want to volunteer. Wendy Askew, Macmillan's Corporate Volunteer Involvement Coordinator, can source volunteering opportunities for businesses who are keen to involve their staff in helping people affected by cancer. Please contact Wendy WAskew@macmillan.org.uk for more details. Read our case studies
Volunteer at our information and support centres
Volunteers at our
information and support centres are helping Macmillan extend its services to the local community by ensuring that people can get the support and information they need. Trained volunteers provide a warm welcome, counselling, hairdressing, manicures and complementary therapies.
Only a few hours to spare during the year?
You can:
-
assist at local events
-
take part in local fundraising collections.
Sparing just a couple of hours of your time taking part in local collections or marshalling walkers at a Macmillan event helps to raise valuable awareness as well as much needed funds!
'In the decade that I've been volunteering I've seen that new volunteers want to do more than just rattle a bucket. We now make sure they're involved in the whole fundraising process, which is good news for them and even better for us.'
Joyce Santos, Chairperson of the Warrington fundraising committee
Not much time but you'd still like to help?
-
Simply championing Macmillan's work to friends, family and colleagues helps spread the word that we're here to help.
-
If you have been affected by cancer you can volunteer by using your experience to improve cancer care?
-
Join our campaigns. Add your voice to our campaigns work.