April's Microvolunteering opportunities

This blog was first published on Sunday 4 February 2024 and updated on Tuesday 2 April 2024.

Welcome to the home of Microvolunteering at Macmillan! Monday 15 April is International Microvolunteering day, where volunteers everywhere are encouraged to take small actions that make a big difference.

Read on to see the different ways that you can get involved by giving as little as 5 minutes of your time, wherever you’re based and however much time you can give, to make a difference for people living with cancer. Don’t forget to keep checking this page – we update it every month with new opportunities.

Here are some simple ways to give your time this month...

1. Email your MP and ask them 'what are you waiting for?'
   

   In England too many people are facing long delays to cancer care. The Prime Minister has admitted the UK Government's failure to cut waiting lists, which is simply not good enough. It's time to make cancer a priority. By writing to your MP and asking them to sign Macmillan's campaign statement you can help people living with cancer get the cancer care they deserve. Email your MP now and ask them: what are you waiting for?



2. Would you like to learn how to best support people living with cancer?
   

   We have free training available to help you develop your skills. Head over to our Listening and Responding learning video hub, where you can watch our 5 short videos that will help you to offer the best listening support you can, to people affected by cancer. For those already part of our Action Team*, you should visit our Learning Hub



3. Spread the word about Macmillan's Longest Day Golf Challenge
   

   Our Longest Day Golf Challenge is back, and we need your help to spread the word to golf lovers far and wide. Do you know any golf-loving supporters ready to take on the challenge? Or maybe you could ask your local golf club could share information about the challenge with their members. Use our social media banners to spread the word online.



4. Encourage people to take on a Mighty Hike
   

   Every year, thousands of people take part in Mighty Hikes across the UK. This year we hope to raise over £13 million for people living with cancer, but we can't do it without spreading the word to Mighty Hikers far and wide. See our Facebook post to share an image of your nearest Mighty Hike on your social media pages and encourage your friends and family to take on a mighty challenge!



5. Volunteer to make phone calls to Greene King pubs.
   

   Our partnership with Greene King raised an incredible £3.8 million in 2023. We are looking for volunteers to make phone calls to Greene King pubs to ensure they have everything they need for their fundraising this year.

   Sign up on our Volunteering Portal, and we'll give you all the information you need to make your calls from home, anytime between Monday 15 to Saturday 20 April. You can sign up for this opportunity until Thursday 11 April.



6. Help us create a buzz for the Big Help Out 2024
   

   We're working with the Together Coalition to create a social media film to launch and promote this year's Big Help Out, taking place Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June 2024. And we'd really love your help.

   To take part, simply:

   1. Record a video short clip of yourself saying "You're not alone" to camera. Please film in portrait, look directly into the camera and wear a Macmillan t-shirt, or other branding if you have it (you can see an example on Google Drive).

   2. Upload your clip to Google Drive.

   You will be uploading the file directly to the Together Coalition and, by doing so, you will be providing them with your consent to use your clip to promote Big Help Out on social media channels.

   What is the Big Help Out?

   The Big Help Out aims to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the UK and provide opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities. We're working with them to show how Macmillan volunteers make a difference in their communities and ensure people are not facing cancer alone. Your clip will help us share that story and encourage others to get involved. You can find out more about Big Help Out at thebighelpout.org.uk

Joining Macmillan’s Action Team is the perfect way to get involved with volunteer fundraising and support people living with cancer. In this ad-hoc role you can give as little or as much time as you like.

You’ll receive our monthly newsletter to keep you up to date with current events, have the opportunity to take part in fantastic fundraising events all across the UK, and be able to apply for opportunities in one simple click.

Join the Action Team