Provide hope to others facing this new challenge

Your story can assist new patients starting their journey with cancer

Cancer survivorship is not easy, and the support Buddies provide to each other is important

Cancer Buddies assist new cancer patients to feel empowered and start teaching new patients to be “patient active”

Cancer Buddies advocate for cancer patients rights by giving voice to their concerns and fears

• One year or more since surgery or other treatment for cancer;
• We have found that this time allows the individual to be better prepared for this work, and also to feel physically and psychologically well;
• The volunteer needs to be in good health and have a recommendation from their doctor;
• By their presence, the volunteer provides an example of recovery and return to everyday life & HOPE;
• The volunteer needs to be motivated by their own experience to help others in a similar situation;and also be able to communicate in an open, sensitive and caring way;
• We are looking for people who have learned from their own experiences are realistic about themselves;
• Committed to their own personal growth and development;
• Maturity;
• Sensitivity;
• Warmth;
• Flexibility;
• a sense of humor is invaluable;
• An ability to work co-operatively as a member of a team;
• Able to work independently;
• Volunteers need to be able to make a commitment to training requirements and additional education and supervision programmers.
  

Training Content:

• Understanding the goals of the “Buddy ”Cancer Support Service program;
• Understand the role of the “Buddy ”Cancer Support Service volunteer in the support of persons living with cancer;
• Understanding and familiarization with the surgical and medical treatment of cancer patients;
• Understanding hospital services, the need to collaborate with the medical and paramedical staff and the day to day management within the hospital;
• Acquire basics communication skills.

Visit preparation done during training to deal with face to face patient visits or telephone visits:

Objectives

• To discuss the practical aspects of the cancer support volunteer;
• To clarify expectations of the PLWC support volunteer and the co-coordinator with regard to communication and support;
• To identify and describe the volunteer system in which the volunteer operates;
• To assist the PLWC support volunteer to make the transition from trainee to volunteer service provider;
• Knowledge of community support available to people living with cancer;
• Understanding of the psychosocial impact of cancer;
• Development of effective communication skills;
• Confidentiality;
• Knowledge of practical aspects of visits. This includes the referral system, information kits and the reporting and supervision system for volunteers;
• Balancing volunteer life and personal life;
• Identification of support available to the volunteer.

The Confidentiality Principles:

Kindly download an application form by selecting the link below. Complete all the required details, and send it to

eldre@plwc.org.za or contact Eldré on cell: 076 775 6099 for more information.

PLWC Application Form