Volunteers Urgently Needed

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is urgently seeking new volunteers in theBangorand Newtownards area to help with the charity’s walking service which is specifically tailored for cancer patients, and to help at their charity shop based at2-4 Market Street,Bangor.

Morag Chambers, Volunteer Co-ordinator with UCF, said, “Our volunteers are an extremely valuable asset and we couldn’t provide our range of services without them. UCF is constantly working on improving and expanding our services supporting cancer patients, their families and carers in response to local need.

“One of our newest services is ‘Walking for Life’ which is the provision of facilitated walking groups, geared to the needs of people living with cancer.  Our walking groups follow a slow and progressive walking programme that allows the body to gradually rebuild its normal levels of fitness. Those taking part will have the opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation as well as enjoying the health benefits that outdoor exercise brings.”

Comber man, Edward Bell, who is a Walking Group Volunteer said, “I really enjoy volunteering with UCF.  I had no previous involvement with the charity but they have been very supportive and the whole experience has been extremely rewarding.  The walking groups are a great way to meet new people while benefiting from regular exercise and enjoying new local scenery.   For a modest commitment I am delighted to be volunteering for UCF where I can see the enormous benefits the walking group has for cancer patients.”

Morag added, "The walking groups have been very successful and we urgently need more volunteers to help organise them from theBangorand Newtownards area. We would love to hear from anyone who enjoys walking, likes meeting new people and is interested in helping provide practical support for people dealing with a cancer diagnosis.”

UCF would also welcome new volunteers for its charity shop inBangorwhich has recently been extensively refurbished following the charity’s shop investment programme.  UCF’s new look charity shop offers customers a much better shopping experience.  The layout has been improved, clothes and goods are easier to find and they are better displayed whilst the storeroom is now fully operational, enabling donations to be processed more quickly.

Morag explained, “As a result of the improvements to the storeroom we will be adding more than 200 items of new stock to the shop floor every day, so customers can be assured that they will always see something new every time they visit.  To maintain this high level of service we urgently need volunteers to help with visual merchandising, window displays, point of sale and visual styling.  UCF are particularly interested in hearing from career minded people who are currently between employment and would like to maintain the work ethic, while gaining new skills or adding to their skills base within the retail industry.

“Our volunteer programme is designed to be as flexible as you require and even donating a few hours per week can make a real difference.”

A full induction, training, on-going support and out of pocket expenses are all provided.  If you would like to find out more please contact Morag Chambers on 028 9068 0773 email moragchambers@ulstercancer.org or call into your local UCF charity shop.

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For further information please contact:

Pauline Wylie, PR and Events Manager, UCF on

028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118 or

Derval McVerry, PR & Events Officer, UCF

on 028 9066 3281 / 07812 525531