Swindon Cancer Awareness Champion

What is a Swindon Cancer Awareness Champion?

Swindon Cancer Champions have an important role in sharing vital messages about the three national cancer screening programs; bowel, breast and cervical screening, to help improve the uptake of cancer screening across Swindon.  There will be a particular focus on areas in Swindon with the lowest uptake rates.

How does it work?

The volunteer will attend a training session, which will help them with this role. They will learn to:

  • Understand the importance of spotting cancer early and the screening programs available
  • Understand key messages around cancer awareness
  • Understand how people can reduce their risk of cancer
  • Appreciate and understand the fears and barriers that people face when talking about cancer
  • Understand the impact health inequalities can have on cancer outcomes
  • Encourage others to take positive action for their health, use local services and see their doctor with any concerns.

Supportive volunteering roles are also available for this project whereby support can be provided during cancer screening engagement events in the Swindon community or within the Cancer Awareness Champion sessions.

Volunteers will be provided with resources to facilitate the sharing of messages in the following areas:

  • Community settings
  • Organisational settings
  • Group settings

What will you get out of it?

  • Regular training opportunities
  • Newsletters
  • Invitations to events and drop ins
  • Mileage expenses
  • Free DBS Check
  • Experience that is helpful for future employment and study
  • Satisfaction that comes from giving to others

What do we expect from you?

  • Great enthusiasm for the role you are undertaking
  • Good communication skills, particularly listening skills
  • A flexible and non-judgemental approach
  • Honesty and trust
  • Reliability
  • Patience and an understanding of others

We are committed to safeguarding our vulnerable adults and children by ensuring best practice and assessing the appropriateness of the volunteers through criminal record checks and character references.