A group of volunteers cheering at an event. They are standing behind a green barrier. They are wearing green Macmillan tops and some are holding Macmillan branded cheering balloons.

Volunteering

There are many ways to get involved as a Macmillan volunteer. Whether it's minutes or months, hours or days, the time you give really does matter.

Find a volunteering role

Volunteering

There are many ways to get involved as a Macmillan volunteer. Whether it's minutes or months, hours or days, the time you give really does matter.

Find a volunteering role

Discover volunteering with Macmillan

With 3 million people in the UK now living with cancer, Macmillan's role has never been more crucial. The support provided by Macmillan volunteers is integral to helping us to be there for people with cancer, in their community, from the moment of diagnosis and for however long they need us.
Two volunteers in green Macmillan tops are standing outside and smiling. The one on the left has short brown hair and is holding a small green collection tin. The person on the left has longer brown hair and is holding a collection bucket. Two volunteers in green Macmillan tops are standing outside and smiling. The one on the left has short brown hair and is holding a small green collection tin. The person on the left has longer brown hair and is holding a collection bucket.
Find a volunteering role

If you already know the type of role you’re looking for, or are looking to get started straight away, then you can search for a role in you area. 

A woman sitting at a table signing cardsA woman sitting at a table signing cards
Microvolunteering opportunities
Wherever you’re based and however much time you can give, there are many simple ways you can volunteer your time for Macmillan.
A woman sits at a desk with her laptop on a video call.A woman sits at a desk with her laptop on a video call.
Join an information session

We run regular online sessions where you can:

  • hear about all volunteer roles
  • explore which role suits you best
  • put your questions to staff and volunteers.

Ways to get involved

We offer a broad range of roles, enabling you to take control of your volunteering and fit it around your life. Most of our roles are in one of the following three areas:
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 & Events
Donations make up 98% of our annual income. Whether you’re helping at a collection, cheering on our brilliant fundraisers at an event, or supporting promotions in your community, your time and enthusiasm makes the world of difference. 
Bianca is a Macmillan Buddy. She is sitting down at a wooden table and appears to be speaking to someone. Bianca has long dark hair. She is wearing a red coat and a colourful green scarf. The person she is speaking to has brown hair and is wearing a ruby coat. Bianca is a Macmillan Buddy. She is sitting down at a wooden table and appears to be speaking to someone. Bianca has long dark hair. She is wearing a red coat and a colourful green scarf. The person she is speaking to has brown hair and is wearing a ruby coat.
Macmillan Buddies

Our Macmillan Buddy service provides a lifeline for people with cancer, offering them weekly support by phone or video call from someone who understands what they’re going through. The service is delivered by volunteers, who undergo comprehensive training and are fully supported.

Two people are attending a Cancer Voices meeting. The person on the left has short dark hair. They are wearing a light blue top. The person on the right has short dark hair and they are wearing a green blazer and white and black striped top. Both are sitting at a table and appear to be listening to someone speaking. Two people are attending a Cancer Voices meeting. The person on the left has short dark hair. They are wearing a light blue top. The person on the right has short dark hair and they are wearing a green blazer and white and black striped top. Both are sitting at a table and appear to be listening to someone speaking.
Sharing your experience
Whether checking an information leaflet or sharing your experience of cancer at an event, your involvement can help us constantly improve our services and make sure that we support people living with cancer the right way. 
Browse all opportunities

Stories from our volunteers

Jez is a Macmillan volunteer. He is standing and holding a batch of letters in his hand with Macmillan branding on them. He is wearing a green Macmillan logo t-shirt and grey jeans. He appears to be in a home.

Jez, Macmillan Fundraising & Events volunteer

"I enjoy doing a lot for Macmillan and I’d say to other people thinking of becoming a volunteer, you can give as much time as you choose to. Some people volunteer once a year at our London Marathon cheerpoints, and some people are giving their time every week – every bit of volunteering is worthwhile."
Ravinder, a Macmillan volunteering ambassador. Ravinder is wearing a red top and standing in front of trees.

Ravinder, Macmillan volunteer ambassador

"The voluntary work I’m doing with Macmillan gives me huge satisfaction. I go out into the Asian community and give awareness talks. I go and support ladies who are facing cancer now. It’s nice to see someone who’s been affected by cancer with a smile on their face. That’s my reward."
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Our vision is to develop a diverse and inclusive volunteering culture that empowers and enables all people to be their best when giving time, energy and experience.

We are interested in learning about how we can be more inclusive. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please email us at VolunteerVoiceNetwork@macmillan.org.uk.

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 all FAQs