How To Help A Cancer Research Charity

With over 200 different types of cancer, more than one in three people will develop some form of the illness in their lifetime. Research into cancer continues to look for better and better treatments, and there's lots of important work being carried out by cancer research charities.  

Most of us have been affected by cancer in some way, and it's always devastating to receive a diagnosis, whether it's for yourself or a loved one. When you volunteer with a cancer research charity, you can make a difference in helping us to understand more about the illness, and what we can do to fight it.  

There are lots of different ways you can volunteer, which is great for choosing how you want to dedicate your time. With some fantastic cancer charities in the UK you could help, you can have a hugely positive influence in a truly worthwhile area. You may even find that you pick up some new skills in the process which you might be able to transfer to other roles in the future.  

HOW TO HELP CANCER RESEARCH CHARITIES

Volunteer At A Charity Shop  

Lots of cancer charities run shops which are crucial for raising funds. You can help these efforts when you volunteer at a cancer research charity shop, which can offer a variety of roles. If you love spending time with people then you'll probably enjoy working on a shop floor, keeping the shelves stocked and helping customers. If you prefer to keep a lower profile, you may find that sorting through or picking up donations suits you better. 

Become A Campaign Ambassador 

Some of the UK's leading cancer research charities run programmes that petition politicians, in order to influence government policy. This may include writing to a local MP, meeting with them to discuss issues like scientific research, early diagnosis and access to treatments, or sharing campaign messages on social media.  

Get Your Employer Involved 

Whether you have your own company or work for someone else, corporate support plays an important role for cancer research charities. This could be in the form of a partnership aimed at fundraising efforts, or through corporate volunteering. Many businesses provide their employees with an allowance of paid time off each year, which is then used to volunteer at a charity.  

Share Your Experience 

If you've been affected by cancer, then you may be able to provide valuable insight on how effective certain projects run by charities are. Your experience could help to shape future projects and campaigns regarding diagnosis, treatment and care, allowing cancer research charities to become more efficient in their efforts to save and prolong lives.  

Volunteer At Events  

Cancer research charities are popular causes for people to support when they decide to do a fundraising challenge, such as a sponsored run, bike ride or swim. It takes a lot of volunteers to help these events run smoothly, and there are different roles you could get involved with. These include things like helping to set up, delivering water along a course, meeting participants at the finish line, or even becoming a course marshal or massage therapist.  

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VOLUNTEER

• As some volunteering roles require specific training, you may be asked for a minimum time commitment.  
• Don't be put off by this though, as even a small amount of time each month could go a long way in helping a charity.  

WHERE TO GET STARTED

People's Postcode Lottery players support some wonderful cancer charities, including Maggie's and Breast Cancer Now. Find out if they have any volunteering opportunities near you by clicking the links below:  

• Maggie's 
• Breast Cancer Now

HELPING DESERVING CAUSES

If you'd like to know more about getting involved in volunteering in your community, take a look at our Local Causes page and find opportunities near you.

Our players also help a wide range of deserving Charities. They've raised hundreds of millions of pounds for good causes to date. If you'd like to join us in supporting deserving projects, sign up today.