Hands on help
Incredible volunteers are the reason every year more and more young people in recovery are able to join a Trust trip, and keep coming back each summer.
Whether supporting fundraising or providing an extra pair of hands on trips, that help is invaluable. If you would like to volunteer we would love to hear from you.
Fundraising Activities & Event Support
Wherever the Trust goes, we need people to help us spread the word about what we do. From manning our information stand to joining ‘cheerleader’ teams and taking photos at the challenge events we have people taking part in, it all makes a big difference. You don’t need to have done anything like it before, just belief in what the Trust does and a bit of enthusiasm and stamina. Have a look at our Events page and let us know when you’re available and what you could help with. Thank you!
Apply to be an Event Volunteer
Trip Support – Travel Volunteers, Mates, Medics and Crew Leaders
All of our Trust trip volunteers are expected to get fully immersed in all aspects of living and working together to help ensure the safety and happiness of our young people and the Trust team alike. While the young people are in the care of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust it is our responsibility to ensure they are well looked after at all times. All volunteers have their own responsibilities, including but not limited to the following:
Travel Volunteers:
Our Young People come from all across the country to attend our Trips. Our amazing Travel Volunteers meet our young people at their pick up locations and travel with them either by train or minibus to their Trip location. Travel Volunteers provide a vital role in the young people’s Trust Trip experience, you will be a smiley face to greet them before they embark on the travel to their Trip and keep them entertained and making friends on their way. All travel expenses are paid for by the Trust and guidance is provided. This role is ideal for you if you are unable to commit to 4/5 days volunteering on our trips, or if you want to support the Trust but sailing isn’t for you.
As a Travel Volunteer you will:
– Be a friendly and positive role model for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust
– Ensure our young people have the medication they need before they begin their journey
– Be responsible for collecting and keeping hold of tickets
Mates:
If you enjoy working with young people and have some sailing skills, our Mate positions are ideal for you!
As a Mate Volunteer you will:
– Be a Day Skipper or above
– Assist the skipper in the safe operation of the vessel and the safety of the crew and young people.
– Look after the young people at all times, taking full responsibility when other volunteers are occupied.
Medical Support:
Are you a registered Doctor, Nurse or Paramedic? Our Trips require ‘Medics’ to accompany our groups, to provide support and occasional assistance to our young people. You will need to provide your GMC registration number in order to be eligible to act as a Medic on our Trips. Sailing experience is not required, however it can be an advantage.
As a Medic you will:
– Ensure that the young people are taking their medication.
– Keep vigilant for any warning signs (ie. Neutropenic fever)
– Assist with first aid and rare medical instances.
Crew Leaders:
Our Crew Leaders are an essential part of our Trip Crew who keep all of your young people smiling, safe and making wonderful memories. No sailing experience is required for this role, however experience working with young people is advantageous.
As a Crew Leader you will:
– Assist the skipper and mate with the safety of the young people.
– Be aware of the needs of young people when at sea (hydration, sun cream, warm clothing etc).
– Look after the young people at all times, taking full responsibility when other volunteers are occupied.
*PLEASE NOTE – We are not currently recruiting for Crew Leader positions*
Skippers
We have a number of positions available for Freelance Skippers to work on our 4-day trip over the summer months (June-October).
APPLY TO BE A FREELANCE SKIPPER
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The nature of what the Trust does means that our volunteers work closely with the young people on our trips. Because of this the Trust has a vigorous safeguarding policy in place to protect the young people that join us, all volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS / PVG check. (The Trust has an Ex Offenders policy please ask if you would like us to send you a copy).
The welfare and safety of the young people on our trips is of paramount importance. All volunteers are *DBS (England and Wales) or *PVG (Scotland) checked and undertake safeguarding training. We know however we cannot be complacent – we review our policies and code of conduct annually and implement new training with staff and volunteers when required.