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Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

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Befriender

Who are we

Tayside Cancer Support offers the opportunity for anyone affected by cancer in Tayside and the surrounding are to receive emotional, social and practical support, either on an individual basis or in a group setting.

The charity has been in existence since July 1994, and is made up of an Executive Committee of voluntary Trustees, one part-time paid employee and approximately twenty volunteer befrienders plus other people who support our events. We work with cancer patients, their families, carers and friends. We do this alongside healthcare professionals and other charities and support groups to provide vital support and information.


Anyone can utilise our services who, either has cancer or is supporting someone on their cancer journey, e.g family or friends. They don’t need a specific referral, they can just get in touch. There are no costs associated with our services.


Our annual numbers in a story:


· Roughly 20 befrienders working with clients for around 30-40 hours a month.
· We spend around £1,000 a month on counselling and therapies for our clients, this is roughly 20 clients who are benefiting
· The Drop-in Café has had visits from around 50 people over the year.


Support we need


As we continue to raise our profile and support more clients living with cancer we need to ensure we have a fantastic pool of befrienders who are willing to give up their time to support those clients. When people are going through tough times, it can help to have a friendly, non-judgemental ear. A problem shared is a problem halved! We provide befriending support to those living with cancer throughout the Tayside and NE Fife area. This support is invaluable to those we support.


We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to become a befriender, here’s what’s involved:


· No experience necessary, all training and supervision is provided
· You can communicate with your client either on the phone or in person
· A good listening ear!


Experience required

Passionate, reliable, available and flexible, maintain confidentiality, non-judgemental, helpful

Travel details

Around Tayside.

Travel expenses

All reasonable expenses covered.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Frequency & commitment
The commitment is a minimum 1 hour a month.

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
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