The second role in the team is that of our Deaf Cancer Peer Group Development Officer.
Their role involves supporting and encouraging the establishment of peer support groups, for Deaf people affected by cancer.
The Group Development Officer also offers support and encouragement to Deaf volunteers, who themselves want to support Deaf people affected by cancer and support them on their cancer journey.
Self Help UK want people to be able to get involved in establishing peer support groups across the UK.
We already have a well-established online Deaf Macmillan Volunteer Group and a Deaf Cancer Support Group.
If we can support more groups to set up across the UK that means more Deaf people can finally have face to face in-person support within a peer support group.
At the moment, this happens online via remote video-call.
Self Help UK hopes it won’t be long before we have peer support groups available across the UK.
The Peer Group Development Officer is looking to set up peer support groups across the UK including Northern Ireland. Deaf people often face barriers to communication. Self Help UK wishes to change this and as a Peer Support Group Volunteer, you can be part of this change. Deaf people need support in the format that is accessible to them, be that in British Sign Language or lip-reading. By having access to local support groups, you can empower them to learn more about their cancer journey and provide support – emotional and practical, help finding information, and some advocacy support too.
This can only be done by enough volunteers from all areas of the UK. Please be aware that subject to satisfactory checks and DBS checks, you will be added to the Deaf Macmillan trained volunteers team after training.
For more information or to register your interest in volunteering, please fill out our volunteer application form
