Volunteering 101- Your questions answered
Got any questions around volunteering with us? We’ve put together a few answers. Check them out below, and if you’re still none the wiser, please get in touch by emailing us at volunteer@prostatecanceruk.org
Can I volunteer for you?
Do I need to have a personal connection to prostate cancer to volunteer?
Not necessarily. We have loads of opportunities available and only some require a personal connection to prostate cancer.
Do I need to have certain skills to volunteer?
Nope! Most of the opportunities we offer only require your energy and enthusiasm! If a role requires any specific skills, we'll make sure we state it and/or provide you with training and support so you feel well equipped.
What roles and opportunities do you offer?
There are so many different ways you can make a difference! From raising awareness and funds to helping out at events or in the office. Check out our latest opportunities and get involved.
What if there are no opportunities near me?
Our volunteering opportunities get refreshed every other week. But, if you can't find a volunteering opportunity near you on our website, there are so many other ways you can get involved to help men with prostate cancer! Invite us to deliver an awareness talk or host an information stand to raise awareness in your workplace or local community. Or, Join the fight by helping raise vital funds to further our research!
If you'd still like to have a chat with us, drop us a line or email us to discuss further.
What will I get out of volunteering with Prostate Cancer UK?
As a volunteer, you’ll help us build awareness of prostate cancer and raise funds to invest in research of better diagnostic methods and tools.
You'll get to meet like-minded people, learn new skills or use your existing ones in a rewarding, fun way.
Will volunteering cost me anything?
We reimburse all reasonable expenses relating to your volunteering according to our volunteer expenses policy.
Are there any age restrictions?
You need to be at least 18 to join our fundraising activities and at least 16 to volunteer at one of our events. We may be able to have volunteers aged 12-15 if they are supervised by a parent or guardian on occasions.
Do you accept volunteers with convictions?
A (unspent) conviction will not automatically hinder your volunteering and each case will be considered individually. We'll do our best to find a role that works for you.
Do you accept overseas volunteers?
You will have to be based in the UK to be able to volunteer for us.
How do I sign up?
Have a look at our latest opportunities. When you find a role that works for you, look out for the sign-up link to express your interest. We’ll get in touch to tell you more about the role when we see your name popping up!
Training and support
What support will I get as a volunteer?
Our volunteer engagement coordinators will contact you with more information about your role and will be available for any questions you may have at any stage of your volunteering.
We will provide you with the same level of support whether you volunteer just once or on multiple occasions, wherever you're based in the UK.
Do I need to attend any training?
We always make sure our volunteers feel well informed and supported. Depending on the role/ activity, you will receive of anything from a briefing over the telephone to a full day training course.
Giving your time
How much time do I need to give?
You can give as much or as little as you can. We have a variety of roles to offer and each one of them requires a different commitment. Our roles are very flexible and can fit around your schedule. In addition, we' ll always advise you on exactly how much time is expected from you when you apply for a role.
What roles are available for students?
Most of our roles are flexible and can work around your schedule. The most common roles for students are events, fundraising and helping out in our offices to gain work experience.
I’m not sure I can commit to volunteering right now? How else can I support Prostate Cancer UK?
There is still lots you can do to help us raise awareness ad funds to stop prostate cancer being a killer. From joining our flagship March for Men walking events or taking on a new challenge such as our March the Month challenge to joining the fight by getting involved with a variety of other initiatives.
Raising awareness of prostate cancer
Can I become a volunteer speaker and raise awareness on your behalf?
As we have a good network of awareness speaker volunteers in most areas of the UK, we're only looking for more speakers at very specific places. Make sure you email us to express your interest stating where about you are based so we can let you know.
There are, however, lots of other ways you can raise awareness from requesting an awareness talk at your workplace or local community, to helping raise vital funds to further our research.
I want to help others who are diagnosed but I am not sure how. Can you give me some ideas and direction?
We'd suggest you first have a look at our latest volunteering opportunities on our website. If you are unsure, you have questions or you'd like to have a chat with us about your skills and/ or circumstances, drop us a line or email us and we'll do our best to get you involved.
I want to organise a fundraising event for you/ run a marathon to raise awareness. How do I go about it?
We've got you covered for ideas, materials, advice and help. You can also email our colleagues at running@prostatecanceruk.org and/or events@prostatecanceruk.org with your ideas or questions.
Football matchdays
I have got a question about volunteering at a football matchday collection.
We have a special section of FAQs for our football matchday collections that covers group sign-ups, cancellations or exchanges etc. If you still have more questions please email volunteer@prostatecanceruk.org.
March for Men event volunteering
Do I need to be sporty to volunteer?
Absolutely not! But you need to have lots of energy and enthusiasm!
When will I find out about my role on the day?
You'll find out about your specific role on the day when we meet you at the event village. We'll talk you through your duties, give you any equipment and introduce you to a staff member who'll be looking after you.
Is there any way I can choose what role I'd like to take on?
Yes, where possible we can make this happen. Just make sure you add this on your registration form or email us at volunteer@prostatecanceruk.org.
Can I choose how long I want to volunteer for?
If you have only a few hours to spare, email us at volunteer@prostatecanceruk.org to let us know and we'll do our best to work around your time availability.
What do I need to wear?
Our March for Men events are outdoor event so be prepared for any weather. We ask our volunteers to wear comfortable shoes, have some sun cream and a hat as well as light layers or even a rain mac!
We'll give you a Prostate Cancer UK t-shirt, if you are a new volunteer but please note, there won’t be any locker facilities so please only bring what is necessary.