I recently met with Macmillan Crossroads Care Kent to discuss their local work in Medway, the dedication of volunteers and their need for more local volunteers to expand their valuable care work .
Volunteering is always a rewarding undertaking across the huge number of fields. I am proud to have been a voluntary independent visitor to a local child for over ten years and have supported a number of local voluntary campaigns down the years, and all are experiences I cherish.
Last month we had National Volunteers Week to celebrate the huge amount of unsung work by volunteers. Almost 12 million people volunteer at least once a month in the UK. Fundraising and running events are the most popular volunteering activities, with sports organisations and groups, followed closely by hobby and social clubs, being the most popular places to volunteer.
However, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes. Crossroads Care Kent offers supportive services in Kent for carers and the people they care for. Giving carers a regular planned respite break can prevent carer breakdown and stop a family entering a crisis situation.
Locally, Macmillan & Crossroads provide a fantastic Volunteer Service in the Kent & Medway area, to help and support people living with and beyond cancer and their carers. Volunteers offer practical, emotional and companionship support to help people live as well as possible with cancer. This can be anything from helping out around the home or garden to accompanying people to their treatment appointments or giving the chance to talk to someone who offers an empathetic and kind ear.
Crossroads Care’s service provides volunteers with the training they need to provide high quality support when people need it the most and volunteers use this as an opportunity to learn new skills, understand how cancer and the treatment can affect a family and the wider community.
Organisation like Crossroads Care Kent are always in need of more voluntary support, and I encourage anyone to get in touch with them or any other local group to offer their time and do something truly rewarding.