How To Help An Ovarian Cancer Charity

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women, but it can be difficult to detect. That's why it's an incredibly important health issue to focus on, whether that's through raising awareness or fundraising.  

Why Volunteer With An Ovarian Cancer Charity?

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is always very difficult, but your efforts can help to provide support and relief. When you volunteer with an ovarian cancer charity, you'll see exactly where the time goes.  

Whether you're dealing with patients directly or helping to form part of their support network, this is sure to be hugely rewarding. What's more, you may also find that you thoroughly enjoy your experience, and meet some great people while picking up a range of new skills along the way.  

How To Help Ovarian Cancer Charities

RAISE AWARENESS 

One of the biggest problems with successfully diagnosing ovarian cancer, is that the symptoms are very similar to other common issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome. But needing to go to the toilet more often than normal, feeling constantly bloated, having a swollen and uncomfortable tummy, and quickly feeling full when eating can also be signs of ovarian cancer. Some leading charities offer materials you can request, including leaflets, posters and pin badges, while your own social media channels can be useful too.  

VOLUNTEER AT A CARE CENTRE 

Charities such as Maggie's run care centres where people affected by cancer can receive practical and emotional support. From administration tasks to looking after library areas and making tea or coffee, just a few hours a week can make a real difference in helping to provide people with crucial support.  

SHARE YOUR STORY 

Whether standing up and telling people about your experiences at an event, or via a website from one of the UK's leading ovarian cancer charities, sharing your story can be hugely beneficial to others. As well as learning more about the symptoms and courses of treatment, you could provide inspiration to others and you might even find the process therapeutic for yourself.  

BECOME A CHEERLEADER 

If you've ever taken part in something like an organised run, swim or bike ride, you'll know just how big a difference being cheered on can make. Receiving some great support from the sidelines can provide the encouragement which people raising money for charity need to conquer their challenge. By joining a cheer team, you can choose which events you help out at and help to create a wonderful atmosphere for the participants.  

SUPPORT AND PROMOTE OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 

Whether you're joining an organised walk in your local area, volunteering your time to help one of these go smoothly, or spreading the word on the streets or through social media, there's lots you can do to support ovarian cancer awareness month. It takes place every March, and there are lots of events up and down the country designed to increase awareness.  

Things To Know Before You Volunteer

• Don't be put off even if you don't think you have a lot of time - just a few hours a month could be really helpful. Specific skills such as graphic design, for example, could be really beneficial as a one-off donation of your time.  
• Some volunteering roles require you to be at least 16 years old, while others may require a minimum time commitment, especially if there's an element of training involved.  

Where To Get Started

If you're looking to get cracking with some volunteering, you might start by looking into options at Maggie's. A charity People's Postcode Lottery is proud to support, our players have raised over £17 Million and counting for the organisation so far.

You can also help amazing charities when you sign up to play People's Postcode Lottery.