Before Cancer
Volunteers reach out to the public to raise awareness about cancer and early detection through educational talks and screening roadshows throughout the year. There are various platforms for volunteers to get involved in at:
Council and Committees
At the organisational level, there are many opportunities within SCS for individuals to offer their professional advice and services in the council and working committees.
Corporate and Community Talks
Volunteer doctors share their knowledge about cancer and help the public to keep abreast of developments and detection methods. Volunteers also help to manage the logistical arrangements that take place behind every educational talk by setting up booths, registering participants, and advocating screening.
Silver Ambassador Programme
The Silver Ambassador Project hopes to tap on the talents and experience of seniors to help raise awareness about cancer and advocate for the adoption of healthier lifestyle through screening. If you are aged 50 and above and are able to commit at least 8 hours a month, please select "Silver Ambassador" under the "Interested in" on the volunteer sign up form.
Community Screening
Volunteers are trained to raise awareness about cancer and encourage early screening, facilitate FIT kit collection, and advise people on how to use them effectively.
Community Engagement
There are numerous opportunities throughout the year for volunteers to help run fundraising activities and events like the Race Against Cancer and Relay for Life.
Communications
Volunteer writers, bloggers, photographers, videographers, illustrators, analytics experts, and social media gurus can contribute greatly to our mission by putting the cancer message across creatively and effectively.
During Treatment
Volunteers also provide support to individuals and families impacted by cancer to help alleviate their financial and logistical challenges that affect daily living.
Ferrying Patients
Chemotherapy may cause fatigue when it is administered. Patients receiving chemotherapy may not be physically able to take public transport. Although SCS provides home-hospital transportation for patients, when the need increases, volunteers with their own vehicles are called upon to ferry patients undergoing chemotherapy to and from the various public hospitals in Singapore.
Distributing Supplies
Patients from low or middle income households may experience financial difficulties as treatment costs mount. Besides providing financial assistance, SCS also distributes daily necessities, which are purchased, packed, and delivered by volunteers to beneficiaries' homes island-wide.
Sprucing Up Homes
Cancer treatments can take a toll on both patients and their caregivers. During this period, those impacted by cancer may require assistance in managing their daily chores and errands. Volunteers lend a helping hand by visiting and sprucing up patients' homes to help them maintain a hygienic living environment.
Knitting Hats
Hats can come in handy when patients lose their hair after chemotherapy. Volunteers with or without prior knowledge learn how to knit hats, which are then distributed to cancer patients in various hospitals across Singapore as a sign of solidarity and support.
Beyond Cancer
Volunteers share their unique skills and talents by conducting enrichment classes and training sessions for cancer survivors to help them pick up new skills. Many also step forward to provide logistical support during outings to local attractions, organised for survivors, caregivers, and their family members. Current enrichment classes teach:
- Calligraphy
- Chinese painting
- Sign language
- Tai Chi
- Ukulele
Volunteers with knowledge, skills, or talents in areas as diverse as caregiving, art therapy, or nutrition are invited to share this with cancer survivors and their caregivers to Minimise Cancer and Maximise Lives.
FAQs
What kind of volunteering work can I engage in?
There is a wide variety of volunteer positions you can engage in. For example, you can volunteer your time and talent to provide support in photography and videography. You can also volunteer to be an SCS Charity Athlete and help us raise awareness and funds through your sporting activities. We also welcome volunteers to provide administrative and logistical support during our fundraising events and public education forums. Our volunteers are also involved in our cancer support services and reaching out to others through community visits.
Can I choose what I volunteer in?
Yes. The Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) aims to match your interests and skills with the specific requirements of different departments. New volunteers may find out more about the different roles and responsibilities during our volunteer orientation briefings, which are conducted regularly throughout the year.
How much time do I need to volunteer for?
The minimum commitment period is 12 hours per year. Different volunteer positions present different requirements. For example, volunteers in office administration may volunteer for a minimum of 2 hours per session on weekdays between 9.30am to 5.30pm. Outside the office, volunteers may choose to provide logistical support at events such as public forums, cancer screening roadshows, fund raising activities, and cancer support service programmes.
Do I need experience or specific qualifications to volunteer?
This depends on the volunteer position in question. Some volunteer positions require specific expertise or experience while others ask only for a willingness to learn.
I am a student and would like to volunteer at SCS as part of my school's Value In Action (VIA) programme. Is this possible?
Yes, you may clear your VIA hours with us. An interview will be conducted to assess the compatibility of the volunteer and our programme requirements before acceptance.
