Volunteering as a Macmillan Buddy

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

There’s more information and a link to current opportunities below. Or you might wish to join one of our monthly online information sessions. They’re a monthly video call where you can:

• hear from people living with cancer about the powerful impact their volunteer buddies had on their situation

• meet some of our current volunteers

• ask us any questions you might have about the role

Sign up to a Buddy Information Session Find a Macmillan Buddy role

One service, multiple forms of support

The Macmillan Buddy service currently offers support in two formats (though we are looking to introduce a video call format soon): 

  • Telephone Buddying – This involves providing company, a listening ear and occasional advice such as signposting towards other Macmillan services. 

  • Community Buddying – This is where the volunteer visits the service user face-to-face in the local community, usually the service user’s home. This can also include offering support with simple practical tasks around the home.

In each case, support is usually provided weekly and for a period of up to 12 weeks.

Why become a Buddy volunteer?

Being a Macmillan Buddy is one of the most intensive volunteer roles we offer, but it is also one of the most rewarding. As a Macmillan Buddy volunteer, you can make a real difference to people’s lives, at the hardest time of their life, and you’ll get to feel that each time you volunteer. 

You’ll also: 

  • Be a key part of a friendly team of volunteers and staff 
  • Receive comprehensive training and support 
  • Have the opportunity to develop your communication and people skills 
  • Receive out of pocket expenses, in line with our expenses policy 
We also offer the opportunity to be a Lead Volunteer in the service – this involves taking a more managerial role in service, helping to match service users with volunteers and supporting both service users and volunteers throughout the match.

This is a great opportunity to develop advanced leadership and communication skills, whilst supporting a friendly team of committed volunteers. 

Asha, Community & Telephone Buddy 

"One of the ladies I supported had a lovely garden so we used to enjoy that together, I would make her a brew and have a chat.

With every person you speak to, you meet and talk to people with interesting backgrounds. You will give and get something different each time."

A man smiling while taking a phone call

Stewart, Telephone Buddy

"I like meeting new people and finding out about them. I’m there as a listening ear and for a warm-hearted conversation.

There is something really special about supporting someone over the phone. It's the most rewarding thing I have done in a long time."

Read more volunteering stories