A person is putting a letter through a letterbox on a door. They are wearing a blue top. The door is black. The letter appears to be a Macmillan branded letter.

Microvolunteering

Microvolunteering is all about turning small actions into big impacts, in a way that suits you.

1. Help shape the future of the NHS

We’re advocating side-by-side with people living with cancer on two big projects, both of which have an enormous impact on future approaches to cancer treatment and care: the NHS 10 year Health Plan, and a National Cancer Plan for England.

Here’s where we need your help; The Government in Westminster is asking the public, and especially people living with cancer, to share their opinions on the future of the health service. Share your views here by 5pm on Monday 14 April. You can shape the future by sharing your ideas here on the change.nhs.uk website.

A megaphone alongside the words Make your voice count

2. Help men open up about Cancer

Did you know that as many as half of men say they feel more comfortable having difficult conversations side-by-side rather than face-to-face... yet only 34% of men regularly open up about personal issues with friends or family. And, sadly, one in nine feel unable to reach out to anyone.

The silence can be even louder for men living with cancer; Nearly half (49%) of men with cancer in the UK are experiencing worry, fear, or anxiety due to their diagnosis. Additionally, one in seven men undergoing cancer treatment (14%) are struggling with serious physical or emotional concerns for which they are not receiving any support.

To highlight the barriers to men opening up, we’ve teamed up with Greene King to create a powerful, short film inspired by real-life experiences. We’re asking you to watch and share the video here to encourage men to come together, stand #shouldertoshoulder, and have those important conversations – because talking could make all the difference.

3. Send Good Luck cards to Macmillan Fundraisers

We are looking for volunteers to write and post handwritten Good Luck cards to Macmillan fundraisers, celebrating their achievements and thanking them for raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

You’ll need to be in our Action Team to take part in this activity. The next rounds of card writing will open on 14 April and then the 12 May – once you’ve signed up as an Action Team member you’ll receive a notification inviting you to join the card writing task as soon as it opens. Be quick – spaces fill up fast!

4. 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.

Stephanie is standing outside behind a large heart shaped sculpture. She is wearing a grey cardigan, a patterned top and pink trousers. The sculpture has the words All You Need is Love written on them.

Steph's experience of microvolunteering

In 2023, Steph was diagnosed with incurable endometrial cancer. She started microvolunteering while recovering from treatment.

"Microvolunteering doesn't take lot of time or effort so it's great while I'm building my strength. I can do it from the comfort of my home or in my local area, and it only takes a couple of hours at a time."

View Steph's story