Be part of the magic - how can I get involved?

• Travel with young people

  Who we’re looking for
  

  Want to volunteer for a trip, but can't do four or five days? By travelling with young people to and from their trip, you can still be part of the team and set the tone of the ‘magic’ right from young people’s first contact with us. It's a bitesize way to make a huge difference.
  
  Travel volunteers are essential for young people to be able to get to, and benefit, from a trip – without you they can’t get there.

  It's also an awesome way to see first-hand the difference in young people at the start and end of trip, and gain experience of working with young people in a volunteer capacity – beneficial to any future trip volunteer application.

  If you want, you can also join the start of the trip for games and ice-breakers and/or be there for the always incredible 'best bit, worst bit, funniest bit' on the last day.

  You might have sailed with us yourself, be a family member or friend of a young person we've supported, or are just passionate about supporting young people to believe in a brighter future after cancer treatment.

  Eligibility

  • Subject to an enhanced DBS/PVG check
  • Compulsory attendance at our Volunteer and Skippers Training Conference (held in March)
  • Required to undertake our safeguarding training (View our Safeguarding Policy)
  • Supply and acceptance of two references
  • You don't need to be able to drive or have a driving licence.

  Download the full role and responsibilities

  What the role involves

  Travel can be by train, minibus or plane and the volunteers accompany, typically, a group of young people on their journey, ensuring they have all the kit they need (including medications) and are safe and comfortable on their journey.

  When can I be a Travel Volunteer?

  Our trips run from May-September. Trips are 4 or 5 days long and usually start on a Monday. Travel support is needed on the first and last day of a trip.

  If you have any questions please email [email protected]

  Apply now

• Tell your story

  Who we’re looking for
  

  Stories create powerful emotions that inspire people to do something.
  

  As a volunteer storyteller, you would play a vital role in helping to showcase the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s impact by sharing your experiences to help raise awareness, fundraise, or inspire young people and/or other families to sign up for a four-day sailing adventure.
  

  Telling your story - whether you’re a young person, family member, or have simply seen the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s magic first-hand – can make a game-changing difference in someone feeling motivated to do something for or with us.

  Eligibility

  • This role might involve contact with young people so maybe subject to an enhanced DBS/PVG check and/or completion of our safeguarding training (View our Safeguarding Policy). We will advise you if this is required.
  • Invited to attend our Volunteer and Skippers Training Conference (held in March).
  • Supply and acceptance of two references

  
  
  What the role involves

  There’s a range of opportunities from 15 minutes, a couple of hours or at a full-day event all year round! These can be during the day or in the evening.

  You might be comfortable doing talk or presentation and standing in front of an audience of 10 - 150+ people, or happier chatting one-to-one or in a small group at hospital or fundraising events, for example.

  By volunteering to share your story, we will make sure you have the most suitable opportunities and support, so your story has the biggest possible impact.
  

  The team will contact you with opportunities, support you in preparing to tell your story and training will also be provided if required.

  Our 'Talks Guide' provides everything you need to know for when you’re talking or presenting on behalf of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

  Download the full role and responsibilities

  When can I be a Storyteller?

  All year round! There’s a range of opportunities from 15 minutes, a couple of hours or at a full-day event. These can be during the day or in the evening.

  
  How do I apply?

  Submit the application form via the Apply Now link.
  

  If you have any questions please email [email protected]

  
  

  Download our Talks Guide

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  Application period extended

• Volunteer at events and festivals

  Who we’re looking for
  

  The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust runs or is involved in a number of different events and festivals every year and we need extra support to fulfill a number of different roles depending on what the event is.

  Event volunteers play a key role in spreading the word about us in places where it will often be the first time people have heard of us, if you're friendly, personable and love shouting about the difference the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust makes then this could be for you!

  Eligibility

  • This role might involve contact with young people so maybe subject to an enhanced DBS/PVG check and/or completion of our safeguarding training (View our Safeguarding Policy). We will advise you if this is required.
  • Invited to attend our Volunteer and Skippers Training Conference (held in March).
  • Supply and acceptance of two references

  
  
  What the role involves

  This is a varied role, which, depending on the type of event, can change at short notice, so you need to be flexible and ready to go with the flow and turn your hand to whatever needs doing at that time.
  

  Tasks can range from festival set up and pack up, manning stands at fundraising and/or young person recruitment events and chatting to visitors, running an engagement or activation activity and selling raffle tickets or merchandise.

  When can I be an Event Volunteer?
  

  All Year Round! Opportunities range from two hours to a full day or a weekend away.

  Download the full role and responsibilities

  How do I apply?

  Submit the application form via the Apply Now link.
  

  If you have any questions please email [email protected]
  

  Apply now

• Promote the  Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in your community

  What we’re looking for
  

  Think about what communities are you part of. Where you live? Clubs you belong to? Your school, college, university, or workplace? Your family and friends? Every one of these offers the potential to increase Trust support around the UK.
  

  Community Champions are the friendly face of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in your local communities, where you can play a unique role in raising both awareness and funds.

  If you have a passion for supporting the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and the transformational difference we make and a motivation to increase awareness of our work this could be for you!

  Eligibility

  • This role might involve contact with young people so maybe subject to an enhanced DBS/PVG check and/or completion of our safeguarding training (View our Safeguarding Policy). We will advise you if this is required.
  • Supply and acceptance of two references

  
  
  What the role involves

  This is an independent position where you proactively find and manage locations to display our annual Inspire magazines and collection tins as well as advocating for us to be the chosen charity at local events, clubs and schools, etc.

  You will be provided with an onboarding welcome pack with all the resources you need. There is no target, just an encouragement to speak to as many local businesses and people in your network as possible.

  Download the full role and responsibilities

  When can I be a Community Champion?

  All Year Round! Being a Community Champion can fit around your schedule.
  

  
  How do I apply?

  Submit the application form via the Apply Now link.
  Applications are open all your round.

  If you have any questions please email [email protected]

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  Applications are open all your round

• Become a Trustee - applications are currently closed

  Could use your skills and experience to help inspire young people to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer? The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust wants to hear what you could offer.

  You could support our Board of Trustees, Youth Advisory Group, CEO and Leadership Team in achieving our strategic Ambitions by joining our 10-strong Board of Trustees, responsible for keeping the charity on track to make sure the best outcomes for young people are always delivered.

  The full Board meets four times a year with five committees (Finance and Investment, Governance, Fundraising, HR and Personnel and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging) overseeing and ensuring the ongoing impartial governance of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

  Trustee vacancies are reviewed and agreed by the Board regularly following a skills audit. They are openly advertised and interviews are undertaken against an agreed criteria. We value and actively encourage approaches from communities that are under-represented in Board positions and those with lived experience.

  Meetings are usually held in London or Southampton (travel expenses can be reimbursed) and the option to join digitally is always available. Some support outside of meetings is required, and we ask Trustees to commit to approximately 1/2 a day per month. The role is unpaid.

  Applications are currently closed

• Use your sailing skills - applications are currently closed

  Who we’re looking for

  If you enjoy working with young people and sailing, apply to be a Mate on our trips.
  
  Mates assist the skipper with the sailing of the boat and the safety of young people and other volunteers on board. You will get fully involved with all aspects of the trips – helping the crew leader and skipper look after young people on the boats and ashore.
  
  if you are doctor, nurse or paramedic, you can use your medical skills too. Just go to the 'Use your medical skills' section on the application form.
  

  Eligibility

  • Should hold an RYA Day Skipper qualification or equivalent experience
  • Subject to an enhanced DBS/PVG check
  • Compulsory attendance at our Volunteer and Skippers Training Conference (held in March)
  • Required to undertake our safeguarding training (View our Safeguarding Policy)
  • Supply and acceptance of two references

  
  
  What the role involves

  Our trips run from May-September. Trips are 4 or 5 days long and usually start on a Monday.

  On your boat, you will assist the skipper in the safe operation of the yacht and ensuring the safety of the crew and young people, taking full responsibility when other volunteers are occupied.
  
  By helping young people learn new sailing skills, you will contribute to them rediscovering what they are capable of and rebuilding their independence and confidence.

  *Please note this role is for Mates only. If you want to apply to Skipper, click on the button below. To apply as a medic, go to ‘Use your medical skills’.

  Download the full role and responsibilities Are you a Professional Skipper? Apply here

  Where we sail and the boats we use

  Our sailing trips – first time and return trips – sail out of East Cowes Marina on the Isle of Wight or Largs Marina on Scotland’s West Coast.
  
  The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust owns two boats in Largs (Moonspray and Caledonian Hero) and one in Cowes (Solent Hero). The rest of the trip yachts are chartered.

  All yachts are between 38-48ft and there can be up to six boats on one trip. Every yacht is fitted with all necessary safety equipment and fully licensed for commercial use. All sailing trips operate under our own safety management system, developed with the guidance of the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO).

  How do I apply?
  

  APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

  If you have any questions or to register your interest to volunteer in the future, please email [email protected].

  Please follow @EMCTrust on social media or sign up for our Trust News newsletter at the bottom of this page to make sure you hear first when applications open again.

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  Applications are currently closed

• Use your medical skills - applications are currently closed

  Who we’re looking for

  Volunteer medics are core to safe and enjoyable sailing and outdoor adventures. If you’re a nurse, doctor, or paramedic with a sense of fun, adventure and a desire to use your expertise beyond work, this could be for you.

  No sailing, oncology, or paediatric experience is needed.
  

  Medics get fully immersed in all aspects of the trips to ensure the maximum enjoyment and safety of all young people. They have a dual role, acting either as a Mate or Crew Leader or Outdoor Adventure Lead or Outdoor Adventure Volunteer, depending on experience.

  Eligibility

  • You will need a valid GMC registration with a current license to practice, NMC registration and in possession of a current PIN, or HCPC registration number
  • Subject to an enhanced DBS/PVG check
  • Compulsory attendance at our Volunteer and Skippers Training Conference (held in March)
  • Required to undertake our safeguarding training (Safeguarding Policy)
  • Supply and acceptance of two references

  
  
  What the role involves

  Our trips run from May-September. Trips are 4 or 5 days long and usually start on a Monday.

  You will provide medical advice and support during trips – collecting and supervising the taking of medications, assisting with First Aid and being vigilant to warning signs of certain conditions.

  But, most of your time is spent mucking in with the really important stuff, like reloading during water fights and keeping the cups of hot chocolate coming!

  Download the full role and responsibilities

  Medical policies

  DOWNLOAD: Our Safe medicines management and administration policy

  How do I apply?
  

  APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

  If you have any questions or to register your interest to volunteer in the future, please email [email protected].

  Please follow @EMCTrust on social media or sign up for our Trust News newsletter at the bottom of this page to make sure you hear first when applications open again.

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  Applications are currently closed

• Support on sailing trips - applications are currently closed

  Who we’re looking for

  Crew leaders help on our sailing trips, however you don’t need to have sailing experience.

  This role is perfect for anyone who wants to get hands-on on a four or five-day sailing adventure from either of our bases in Cowes on the Isle of Wight or Largs on Scotland's stunning west coast.

  You might have sailed with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust yourself, be a family member or friend of a young person who's experienced the magic of the trips, or are just passionate about supporting young people to believe in a brighter future after cancer treatment.

  Eligibility

  • Subject to an enhanced DBS/PVG check
  • Compulsory attendance at our Volunteer and Skippers Training Conference (held in March)
  • Required to undertake our safeguarding training (View our Safeguarding Policy)
  • Supply and acceptance of two references

  
  
  What the role involves

  Our trips run from May-September. Trips are 4 or 5 days long and usually start on a Monday.

  You will help look after young people both on board the boats and ashore with the help of the skipper and mate.

  You will ensure the needs of young people are met, from food and hydration, to making sure they are wearing the right clothing and protected against the sun.

  Download the full role and responsibilities

  How do I apply?
  

  Not sure if you prefer sailing or outdoor adventure? Don't worry you can apply to be both a crew leader and outdoor adventure volunteer.

  APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

  If you have any questions or to register your interest to volunteer in the future, please email [email protected].

  Please follow @EMCTrust on social media or sign up for our Trust News newsletter at the bottom of this page to make sure you hear first when applications open again.

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  Applications are currently closed

• Support on outdoor adventure trips - applications are currently closed

  Who we’re looking for
  

  This role is perfect for anyone who wants to get hands-on on one of our outdoor adventure return trips. These trips are typically five-days (Monday-Friday) and take place at a variety of residential activity centres across the UK.

  You might have been supported by the Ellen MacArthur CancerTrust yourself, be a family member or friend of a young person who's experienced the magic of the trips, or are just passionate about the power of the outdoors in inspiring young people to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.

  Eligibility

  • Subject to an enhanced DBS/PVG check
  • Compulsory attendance at our Volunteer and Skippers Training Conference (held in March)
  • Required to undertake our safeguarding training (View our Safeguarding Policy)
  • Supply and acceptance of two references

  
  
  What the role involves

  Our trips run from May-September. Trips are 4 or 5 days long and usually start on a Monday.

  You are there to look after the wellbeing of young people during activities and, supervise young people outside of activities. You will ensure the needs of young people are met, from food to hydration to making sure they are wearing the right clothing and protected against the sun.

  Depending on your experience, you may be allocated as a 'Group Lead' - you would be in charge of a smaller group (approx. 10 young people and two volunteers) for the daily activities, supervising young people and planning things to do between activities and in the evenings.

  Download the full role and responsibilities

  How do I apply?
  

  Not sure if you prefer sailing or outdoor adventure? Don't worry you can apply to be both a crew leader and outdoor adventure volunteer.
  

  The activities are run by centre staff – so you don’t need to have outdoor activity experience.
  

  APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

  If you have any questions or to register your interest to volunteer in the future, please email [email protected].

  Please follow @EMCTrust on social media or sign up for our Trust News newsletter at the bottom of this page to make sure you hear first when applications open again.

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  Applications are currently closed

• Join our Youth Advisory Group - applications are currently closed 

  Our Youth Advisory Group is vital in making sure the diverse lived experiences, opinions, and ideas of all young people we support are at the heart of our decision-making. Use your voice to help shape the future of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

  Could you help give young people a voice in everything we do? Have you got ideas on how we could even better support young people? Do you have a passion for issues that could make a difference to how young people engage with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust?

  We’re on the look-out for new Youth Advisory Group recruits. Come and join us!

  How to apply

  If you are aged 16+, have been or are currently being supported by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust after cancer treatment, and think you can make a positive contribution to help shape our future, please apply via the application form on this page.

  APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.

  Find out more

  Applications are currently closed

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  Contact us at [email protected]

What else you need to know

Building belonging

We value equality, diversity, and inclusion, oppose prejudice, and are committed to being an anti-racist organisation.

We strive to be more representative of all young people who have had a cancer diagnosis in the UK and believe diversity amongst the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust team is key to building belonging and delivering equitable experiences for all.

To believe the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is for them, young people must see volunteers like them.

Data Privacy

We want to be clear about how we use your personal information and data. We want to treat you fairly, lawfully and in an open way. Find out about how we use and store your personal data here – Privacy Notice.

How we support our volunteers The difference you will make

Help spread the word