Cansa thanks its volunteers
JOHANNESBURG – Tough living with cancer (TLC) volunteers are trained to interact and support children and families affected by cancer while they receive their treatment at paediatric oncology wards.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is celebrating its volunteers who have made everything possible today (5 December), on International Volunteers Day.
Cansa released a statement which said it appreciates all their volunteers who are the cornerstone of all Cansa projects carried out in communities and workplaces. “Over 7 000 trained volunteers are our foot soldiers in the fight against cancer and they carry out invaluable work. Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to provide care and support to those affected by cancer.”
“Cansa is very excited to launch our new online volunteer training programme in the near future and thanks CCT: Centre for Community Technologies, Nelson Mandela University for providing the platform. This free training course in health promotion and patient care consists of everything that is required to become a proud Cansa volunteer.”
Cansa also explained that modules include background and information regarding the organisation; health education; living a balanced lifestyle; cancer (staging, common types, treatment); managing side effects of treatment; dietary and nutritional needs of cancer patients; and the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Those wishing to enrol for the volunteer training course can email cbumso@cansa.org.za
The organisation added that its volunteers are active on many fronts and often specialise in a particular field: young adults are getting more involved in offering services and projects mainly among their peers. ‘Feel Good Volunteers’ are mainly in a corporate and business setting who participate only on special days e.g. International Nelson Mandela Day or Giving Tuesday.
“Virtual volunteers assist with online fundraising, editing manuals or virtual marketing campaigns. Advocacy volunteers are the ‘voices’ for the community and assist with access to treatment issues and also navigating the health system for the patient.”
Cansa said professional volunteers guide and assist lay volunteers and some may be trained spokespersons on specific topics while others contribute by offering pro bono skills such as legal advice, training or coaching. Fundraising volunteers help raise funds and implement national, provincial and regional projects like Cansa Shavathon and Cansa Relay For Life events. Patient care volunteers are trained to offer practical, emotional and spiritual care to patients and their families.
Health promotion volunteers get involved with our health awareness campaigns and some give health talks. Tough living with cancer (TLC) volunteers are trained to interact and support children and families affected by cancer while they receive their treatment at paediatric oncology wards.
Related article:
https://midrandreporter.co.za/175226/annual-cansa-shavathon-comes-to-mall-of-africa/
