Shauna Hamill urges people to volunteer time with cancer charity
Shauna Hamill (48) is from the Ballynahinch area and is a volunteer with Macmillan Cancer Support. The charity urgently needs volunteers across Northern Ireland to help people living with cancer feel less isolated and Shauna is keen for others to know how giving a little time to Macmillan has given her a new sense of perspective.
“I’ve been volunteer with Macmillan for about 5 years, as a face-to-face community helper and most recently as a telephone buddy, an initiative that the charity put in place in response to the pandemic,” Shauna said.
“I’ve always had a real niggle to give back, and it was something in Macmillan’s appeals that inspired me to put an application into the charity. Macmillan is very focussed on helping people to live fully with cancer and I wanted to be part of the support that they provide.
“Being a Macmillan telephone buddy is very rewarding. I have a weekly call with someone who is living with cancer and wants a regular chat. I’m there to listen and I take the lead from them about what they want to talk about. An hour a week isn’t a lot of time, and as you’re able to volunteer from home, it’s simple to fit around your work, family or study.
“Volunteering for the first time can be a bit daunting, but I would urge anyone thinking about offering their time to contact Macmillan and talk it through. It undoubtedly gives you a new perspective on life.
“I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people who are going through a challenging time and it’s a privilege for me to be able to help in some way. It’s a wonderful feeling to be there for someone – to make them laugh over the phone or know that you’re bringing a sense of normality to their day.”
Wherever you live, Macmillan can match you with a person who needs support from you through a weekly telephone call. The charity is also looking for people who could provide face-to-face support in the local community.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities with Macmillan in NI contact Sharon Gorman, Volunteering Services Delivery Lead, on 07821 687 349 or visit:
macmillan.org.uk/volunteering.
For support, information, or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000.
 is from the Ballynahinch area and is a volunteer with Macmillan Cancer Support. The charity urgently needs volunteers){kind=link}