Here on the Online Community, we see every day how helpful if can be to access peer support and connect with your online friends who share similar experiences. Sometimes people look for face to face connections and support which is what the Macmillan Buddies service can provide.
Macmillan Buddies is a fantastic resource for supporting people with cancer and Danny, one of Macmillan’s Volunteering Delivery Leads, is sharing some information with us today about how the Macmillan Buddy service can support you. Read this blog to better understand the support they can offer and how to submit a referral.
Going through the cancer journey can be a scary and sometimes lonely time. It can be hard to talk to family and friends about how we are feeling and difficult to absorb all the information being thrown your way.
The Macmillan Buddy Service is there to match people living with cancer with a fully trained Macmillan Buddy volunteer. The support usually lasts for up to12 sessions and support can be offered in three different ways:
TelephoneEmotional support is provided from anywhere in the UK with weekly telephone calls with one of our trained Macmillan volunteers.
Face-to-face practical and emotional support in your own home or elsewhere in the community. This can include light housework in your home, collecting small shopping items from local shops and meeting up at a local coffee shop or garden centre etc.
DigitalEmotional support provided through Zoom with one of our trained Macmillan volunteers
The difference we makeKaren diagnosed with endometrial cancer and used the Telephone Buddy service:
“My buddy was very encouraging and supportive. The conversations we had put a smile back on my face. It was about sharing the good times as well as the bad.”
Referring to the Buddy service couldn’t be easier. You can refer yourself or someone else through the Macmillan website by filling in this online form. You will then receive a call from one of our Volunteering leads to learn a bit more about you and the support you would like.
If you have any questions about accessing the Macmillan Buddies Service or using the Online Community, please email Community@macmillan.org.uk.
