Volunteering has many benefits from improving your wellbeing to developing new skills.
Our volunteering experiences provide lots of opportunities for you to grow, develop and have fun. Whether you want to build your CV, gain confidence or get stuck into a new challenge, we have something for everyone!
More than half of our volunteers (56%) report feeling more confident since volunteering with Cancer Research UK.
61% of our volunteers say they have developed new skills thanks to volunteering.
More than half of our volunteers (56%) say their physical health and wellbeing has improved since volunteering with us, and more than half (57%) say their mental health has improved.
50% of our volunteers smile more since volunteering at Cancer Research UK.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s easy to feel the impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing. But this is also a season where small changes can help make a big difference.Here are a few practical tips to help us all take care of our wellbeing this winter:
Exposure to natural light boosts mood and energy levels, so try to get outside during daylight hours — even if it’s just a short walk on your lunch break.
Movement is a powerful tool for improving mood and reducing stress. You don’t need a gym membership — find what works for you, whether it’s stretching at home, walking to the shops, or a free online workout.
When life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook the importance of rest. Make time for sleep and set aside moments to recharge, even if that’s simply reading a book or listening to your favourite music.
Winter can feel isolating, but reaching out to friends, family, or colleagues can make a world of difference. A quick coffee or catch-up chat can brighten your day.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember it’s okay to take a step back. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and seek support if you need it. Sometimes, simply naming what’s going on can be the first step toward feeling better.
Finally, remember that you’re not alone. Do speak to your staff contact if you feel comfortable doing so, or friends and family. There are great support services that you can access for free such as Mind or the Retail Trust.
10 October was World Mental Health Day, an annual event that aims to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing. Volunteering can be a valuable way to boost your mental health, with over half our volunteers reporting that their volunteering experience at Cancer Research UK has improved their mental health and wellbeing.
This World Mental Health Day, we wanted to share Jean’s story, and shine a spotlight on how choosing to volunteer in her local Cancer Research UK shop has helped her.
“In October 2022 I had a mental health breakdown which made me very poorly. It was a lovely sunny day, and I decided to go for a walk. I was walking through Morecambe town, and I walked past the Cancer Research UK shop. I’ve known the Shop Manager, Amanda, for 19 years, and we started talking after not seeing her for a few years. She asked how I was, and I explained to her that I had not been well, and said my mental health was bad. She said ‘why don't you come and volunteer here’ which made me realise that would be a good idea, as I needed to get out and I was hiding looking at my four walls. So, I filled the paperwork in and started volunteering for Cancer Research UK.”
“Volunteering has made me feel like I have a purpose, and I so look forward to going there every Tuesday and Saturday. Amanda has been absolutely amazing with me, I have learnt so much and met some lovely people. All the staff and volunteers are great, and we are like one little family.”
“I lost my sister to cancer 34 years ago which was a very sad time. She was only thirty years old and had two children who she sadly had to leave behind, which was heartbreaking. “I enjoy volunteering as I feel I am supporting a charity that means so much to me after losing my sister to cancer.”
Having enjoyed a positive and rewarding volunteering role at Cancer Research UK, Jean has also recently taken on the role of Assistant Manager in the shop.
Thank you Jean for sharing your story.
Are you a carer? As a Cancer Research UK volunteer, you’re eligible to access free, expert advice about being a carer through Legal & General’s Care Concierge service.
Our latest equality, diversity and inclusion survey for volunteers highlighted that a significant number of our volunteers are carers or have caring responsibilities. As part of our wellbeing offer for our volunteers, we want to let you know that any carers who volunteer with us are eligible to access the free Care Concierge service provided by our pension provider, Legal and General. This service can help carers to navigate the journey of adult and later life care and is dedicated to supporting people who care for someone 18 year old and upwards (the service doesn’t focus on care for children, however they might be able to signpost to other care services for the care of under 18s). The service offers a variety of support, including advice on how to arrange care for a loved one – helping you to understand the key care and housing options available, and how to start looking for care.
The service also provides support with understanding the costs involved with providing care, for example how much care might cost in your area, understanding the overall cost of care, and the different ways available to pay for care. To access the service, simply contact the Care Concierge in one of the following ways and let them know that you’re a Cancer Research UK volunteer:
Freephone: 0808 189 3195 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Access the Care Concierge service, free of charge
Make sure that you have completed your induction so that you feel confident in your role and can make the most of your volunteering experience.
If you’d like to develop your skills or try something new, speak to your staff contact about how they can support you and help you monitor your progress.
We want to help you make the most of your time with us, and your staff contact will be on hand throughout your volunteering journey to support you.
Below are some links relating to health and wellbeing that you may find useful:
Enjoying the sun safely, and understanding the links between UV and cancer
Tips on and support with healthy eating
