November Update

Two shop volunteers sorting through clothes

The countdown to the festive period has begun. We're here with support that you may need as it gets busier in your shop. Read below for organisations, including the Retail Trust, that provide free wellbeing support whenever you may need it.

We spoke to Dave, a former shop volunteer who has recently taken on a new role as the Shop Manager in our March shop. Following his father's lung cancer diagnosis, Dave was inspired to start volunteering to create more special moments for other people affected by cancer.

Thank you for going above and beyond for Stand Up To Cancer this year. We can’t thank you enough for the fantastic time and effort you have put into your fundraising this year!

Remembrance Sunday is this weekend, a chance to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. We're sending you strength and support for this week.

Together we are beating cancer. Thank you.

Julie Byard, Director of Trading

Cancer Research UK

Dave's story: how we are all beating cancer

Dave - male smiling in Cancer Research Store wearing patterned shirt

At Cancer Research UK, we’re all playing a part in saving and improving lives through raising vital funds for our pioneering research. As a shop volunteer, every shirt you steam, item you sell and customer you serve makes progress possible.

Together, we are creating millions of moments for people affected by cancer – moments they might not have had otherwise.

We spoke to Dave, a former shop volunteer who has recently taken on a new role as the Shop Manager in our March shop. Dave shared how his father’s lung cancer diagnosis inspired him to become a CRUK volunteer, in the hopes that by giving his time, he would be able to create more special moments for other people affected by cancer.

Dave said: “The most rewarding part of volunteering is the good that you’re doing, the money you’re raising and the lives you’re helping to save. Maybe I started volunteering to gain some retail experience, but I stayed because of the difference I was making.”

Hear more from Dave

Thank you for your commitment to Stand Up To Cancer!

Stand Up To Cancer 2023

Stand up to cancer logo

This year, you truly went above and beyond for Stand Up To Cancer – we’ve loved seeing you get crafty, don fancy dress and even brave skydiving for the campaign.

We’re grateful for your dedication and have been very touched to see you get out into your communities to raise awareness for a great cause and have fun at the same time!

Whilst we calculate the final figures for Trading, we can’t thank you enough for this fantastic achievement which simply wouldn’t have been possible without you lending us your time, creativity, and commitment.

All the funds you’ve helped raise will go towards research that directly impacts the lives of those diagnosed with cancer. And we couldn’t have done it without you.

We know support is important this time of year

Although this time of year is exciting, it can be busy and stressful

Volunteer talking to shopper between rails of clothing

It's now November and the footfall in your shop is going to start picking up again. It's really important to look after yourself when life gets busy, so we've provided some information on organisations that can give you the support that you may need.

Protecting your mental health

  • The Retail Trust: As a retail volunteer, you can now access tailored, free and confidential health and wellbeing support if you need it through the Retail Trust. Their services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can provide you with emotional support, financial support and legal guidance by phone on  0808 801 0808.

  • Hub of Hope: Search in your local area to see mental health support services and groups available on hubofhope.co.uk.

  • The NHS: If you’re struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, you can speak to your GP or call 111.

  • Samaritans: You can also find support by calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123.

We're here to support you

Thumbs up - this is great!
Thumbs down - this isn't for me.

If you received a link to this information by text message it is because you volunteer in one of our shops. If you’d like to stop receiving text messages from Cancer Research UK, or make changes to how we communicate with you, please contact preferences@cancer.org.uk.