Volunteering
Beechwood could not exist without its team of volunteers. These wonderful people undertake many tasks and details of some of them are given below.
If you would like to volunteer please contact Carole Newell at Beechwood on 0161 476 0384 or send an e-mail to: enquiries@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk
Alternatively you can download an application form (PDF format) PDF from here and return in to the following address:
Carole Newell
Personnel Department
Beechwood Cancer Care Centre
Chelford Grove
Stockport
SK3 8LS
PLEASE NOTE
ALL our volunteers must be interviewed before being allowed to start work with us. They must also provide 2 reliable referees and all volunteers are subject to a CRB check. (Criminal Records Bureau)
Drivers
Many of our patients are unable to get to Beechwood, either because they do not have a car or because their illness makes public transport difficult. We have a team of drivers who use their own vehicles to transport patients to and from our centre. A mileage allowance is paid and we ensure that insurance is in force.
"General" Volunteers
Many of our volunteers spend time at our centre with the patients and undertake tasks such as making drinks, helping patients up and down the stairs or use the lift. They may simply sit with and talk to patients to help them to relax. They DO NOT carry out any medical tasks and they do not have access to any patient health information.
Shop Volunteers
Beechwood has four charity shops which rely heavily on volunteers. Their tasks include receiving and sorting donated goods. Cleaning/pressing clothes, setting up displays and work behind the counter. They may occasionally be required to lift items and so must be reasonably fit.
Fundraising Volunteers
The Beechwood TT (Time and Talents) Group are our wonderful fundraising volunteers. They usually meet once a month at the Centre and arrange events throughout the year to support the charity. They need people who care enough to give their time and talents to help Beechwood continue its vital work.
This very active group meet regularly and organise numerous events at the centre including the highly popular Summer 'Strawberry Fair' in June as well as Easter and Christmas Fairs. These raise much needed for the centre as well as providing enjoyable social events
If you can volunteer either a little or perhaps more, please contact Doreen Horrocks on 0161 456 9732.
In making our case to you we cannot do better than to refer you to the letter from 6-year-old Keelan who wrote
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Keelan; I am six years of age. I would like to tell you about what Beechwood Cancer Care Centre means to me. My Granny has got cancer for the second time. When she was first poorly she went to Beechwood to feel better again. She was scared and she cried a lot but her new friends look after her. When she got better she went to Beechwood for some therapies and loved it so much that she became a volunteer and helped other Grannys, Grandads, Mummys, Daddys and children too. Mummy says it costs over £1,000 a day to keep running. Beechwood is nice it is a magic place. It is a very important place. Now that granny is poorly again I hope Beechwood can help her stop crying again
Please can you help? Beechwood need support. Me and my baby brother love our Granny very much.
From Keelan
Keelan's parents initially unaware of the letter are fully supportive of it being used in this way.
Volunteering
If you are reliable, willing to undertake a whole range of tasks if asked - you may be just the person we are looking for.
Note: You will need to be at least 18 years of age to work at the centre
Days and hours you work will be agreed between you and Beechwood, however there may be occasions when volunteers are needed on an occasional basis.