Help others by becoming a Red Cross volunteer

Red Cross

The British Red Cross is appealing for volunteers for two new services aimed at helping people in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton.

The first service, Carer’s Support, is designed to help carers by alleviating stress and allowing them time for themselves.

Red Cross volunteers can support carers by sitting with a cared-for person, helping with errands such as shopping and helping to increase confidence.

The service is aimed at any carers in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton who need some support – they don’t have to be officially registered as a carer or be referred by a GP. 

Volunteers are also needed for the second new project - the Cancer Support service.

They will help over 60s with cancer, who need some extra support or guidance, at any stage of illness or recovery.

Red Cross volunteers can help them settle back home after a hospital stay, assist with appointments and help with their day-to-day routines, again in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton.

In both services, Red Cross volunteers can provide vital emotional and practical support to help others by offering information and positive encouragement for a few hours, days or weeks, depending on people’s needs and volunteers’ time.

Volunteers will receive training before starting. As well as supporting service users, the volunteers will also be able to flag up other support for the carers within the community.

Libby Stanfield, 21, from Rochdale and a Red Cross volunteer for the Cancer Support service, said: “I knew all about the work the Red Cross does abroad but wasn’t that sure what they did locally. I saw this service online and decided it would be something I’d like to be involved in. I’ve had people close to me go through cancer and I know how it can affect people and their families, so wanted to do something that would help them.”

Both Red Cross services have been funded by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group through their social investment fund which aims to support projects across the borough that work with local people to deliver health and community benefits.

People interested in volunteering for these Red Cross services in Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood will gain valuable experience by working with people from all walks of life, they will receive free training and will join a friendly team.

Volunteers will need to be sensitive when working with vulnerable people, provide patient and positive encouragement and be comfortable working both in a team and individually.

All volunteers will have an enhanced criminal record check and must be over 18 years of age.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer for this service or to find out more about the assistance and support the service provides, please contact Rick Vogan (Carers Support) on 01204 369640 or email rvogan@redcross.org.uk or Philippa O’Callaghan (Cancer Support) on 01204 369632 or pocallaghan@redcross.org.uk