To speak to a specialist cancer nurse,
freefone the National Cancer Helpline
1800 200 700
Mon—Thurs 9am—7pm Fri 9am—5pm
Get involved with our Daffodil Centres
Volunteering in a Daffodil Centre
This page contains details on the following:
-
Role of the volunteer
-
Training
-
Time Commitment
-
How to Apply
Role of the Volunteer
Daffodil Centre Volunteers are essential to the running of the service.
The role involves:
- Welcoming visitors to the centre
- Talking to enquirers, listening and identifying their needs and signposting to appropriate sources of information and support.
- For medical or complex queries arranging for the enquirer to talk to the Cancer Information Nurse.
- Helping to promote the centre by distributing leaflets and posters at designated display points within the hospital
- Participating in ‘Cancer Awareness & Early Detection’ campaigns and relaying any key cancer prevention messages as outlined by the Irish Cancer Society.
- On occasions accompanying enquirers to cancer related areas/services within the hospital.
- Helping to ensure the centre is tidy and well maintained. Volunteers are asked to carry out some minimal administrative tasks.
Training
Following successful interview volunteers are required to attend four full days training.
Below is an example of what this entails:
- Overview of Irish Cancer Society services
- Overview of the hospital oncology services and functions
- Hospital orientation and induction
- Understanding the emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis
- Boundaries and Confidentiality
- Communication Skills
The Irish Cancer Society arranges ongoing training for volunteers based on the needs of the centre such as training on ‘Financial Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis’ and ‘Smoking Cessation’.
Time Commitment
On commencing in the Daffodil Centre volunteers are asked to commit to a morning or afternoon (4 hours) once a week. The centres are generally open 9-5, Mon- Fri. As they are closed evenings and weekends there is no requirement for volunteers at these times.
How to apply
In order to become a Daffodil Centre volunteer, applicants must complete an assessment period which includes the following:
- Interview
- Four days' training
- Garda Clearance
- Reference Checks
Upon completion of the training process, the above assessment will determine whether the applicant is suited to the Daffodil Centre Volunteer role.
If you would like to discuss any of this further please contact:
Aoife McSwiney,
Daffodil Centre Administrator, Nursing Services,
Irish Cancer Society
43-45 Northumberland Road,
Dublin 4
Phone: 01 231 6635
Email: amcswiney@irishcancer.ie
