Volunteers Wanted As Cancer Support Service Opens In Hastings

Macmillan Cancer Support is opening a new service at the Hastings Heart Community Info Hub at Hastings Town Hall.

According to the charity, there are approximately 100,000 people living with cancer across East Sussex and East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) see approximately 3,500 new cancer patients every year.

Following a consultation with local people, Macmillan has decided to set up what they say is a 'much needed service' in the centre of town providing a convenient place for people to meet in a 'relaxed, non-clinical' setting.

Visitors will be able to get information and support about practical, emotional, or financial worries associated with their cancer diagnosis or just talk about any worries they may have about cancer.

Ahead of the service opening in May, Macmillan say they're looking for volunteers who 'enjoy listening to others and are empathetic', who have a few hours to spare each week to support people affected by cancer. Full training will be provided and the opportunity to join a 'friendly and helpful team making a difference' in the local area.

Geoff Brown, Manager of the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton, and the local volunteering team, says:

“We are really excited to be working with Hastings Heart to open this centre at the Info Hub in Hastings, but we could not support the number of people living with cancer in the area that we do without the help of our fabulous volunteers.

“They give up their valuable time to support and listen to people with cancer, their family and friends, coping with variety of issues associated with a cancer diagnosis and, experience shows what a positive experience this can be for all involved.

“If this sounds interesting, we would love to meet people in person at our ‘drop in’ on 13th March were you’ll get the chance to meet me and other members of the team and find out more about what’s involved.”

The Macmillan Cancer Support Volunteer Recruitment drop in takes place on Wednesday, March 13 at the Hastings Heart Community Info Hub, Hastings Town Hall (side entrance opposite Mr Beans), between 11am and 1pm. Click here for more information or email Geoff at: horizoncentre@macmillan.org.uk