Volunteering has many benefits from improving your wellbeing to developing new skills.
Our volunteering experiences provide lots of opportunities for you to grow, develop and have fun. Whether you want to build your CV, gain confidence or get stuck into a new challenge, we have something for everyone!
More than half of our volunteers (56%) report feeling more confident since volunteering with Cancer Research UK.
61% of our volunteers say they have developed new skills thanks to volunteering.
More than half of our volunteers (56%) say their physical health and wellbeing has improved since volunteering with us, and more than half (57%) say their mental health has improved.
50% of our volunteers smile more since volunteering at Cancer Research UK.
Volunteering can be a great way to boost your wellbeing, meet new people and have fun. For Henry, joining our volunteering community and connecting with others has made a real difference to his wellbeing. Henry has volunteered at the Horsham East Street shop since 2023, bringing kindness and positivity that have made him a much-loved member of the team. Henry shared what he enjoys about volunteering:
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s easy to feel the impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing. But this is also a season where small changes can help make a big difference. Here are a few practical tips to help us all take care of our wellbeing this winter:
Exposure to natural light boosts mood and energy levels, so try to get outside during daylight hours — even if it’s just a short walk on your lunch break.
Movement is a powerful tool for improving mood and reducing stress. You don’t need a gym membership — find what works for you, whether it’s stretching at home, walking to the shops, or a free online workout.
When life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook the importance of rest. Make time for sleep and set aside moments to recharge, even if that’s simply reading a book or listening to your favourite music.
Winter can feel isolating, but reaching out to friends, family, or colleagues can make a world of difference. A quick coffee or catch-up chat can brighten your day.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember it’s okay to take a step back. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and seek support if you need it. Sometimes, simply naming what’s going on can be the first step toward feeling better.
Finally, remember that you’re not alone. Do speak to your staff contact if you feel comfortable doing so, or friends and family. There are great support services that you can access for free such as Mind or the Retail Trust.
Make sure that you have completed your induction so that you feel confident in your role and can make the most of your volunteering experience.
If you’d like to develop your skills or try something new, speak to your staff contact about how they can support you and help you monitor your progress.
We want to help you make the most of your time with us, and your staff contact will be on hand throughout your volunteering journey to support you.
Below are some links relating to health and wellbeing that you may find useful:
Enjoying the sun safely, and understanding the links between UV and cancer
Tips on and support with healthy eating
Tips on and support with physical exercise
Are you a carer? As a Cancer Research UK volunteer, you’re eligible to access free, expert advice about being a carer through Legal & General’s Care Concierge service. The service offers a variety of support, including advice on how to arrange care for a loved one, and support with understanding the costs involved.
To access the service, simply contact the Care Concierge in one of the following ways and let them know that you’re a Cancer Research UK volunteer:
Freephone: 0808 189 3195 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
