We at Tayside Cancer Support think it’s important to hear from people within our charity to showcase all the hard work they do for us and how they have seen our charity help people.
Our focus for this blog is our experienced befriending supervisor Arlene. Arlene is what can be described as the essential cog within our befriending scheme.
We asked Arlene a range of questions about her role within TCS, why she joined our charity and what she has witnessed in her time here, and this is what she had to say.
What is your role in Tayside Cancer Support?
I am the Befriender supervisor, I take client referrals and match them with an appropriate befriender who will offer them support on a 1-1 basis. I also carry out training for new and existing volunteers and offer supervision for the befrienders on a 6 weekly basis.
What inspired you to join Tayside Cancer Support?
I was recently retired from the NHS and knew I wanted to do something worthwhile. I saw the advert for the role on facebook and the post sounded just what I was looking for to use my varied skill set and offer a fulfilling second act to my career.
Is there a personal reason that motivated you to work for TCS in particular ?
Both of my parents had cancer as had other family members. I was aware that speaking with people outside the family can be very supportive and allow feelings to be honestly discussed and aired. Befriending seemed like something myself and my relatives could have benefited from.
How does the befriending training work?
The training is delivered via a hybrid model using Zoom and Face to Face meetings. The face to face meetings are held in Broughty Ferry. The focus of the training is on active listening techniques, communication skills, and understanding of cancer treatments. I use theory, role play and practice sessions before volunteers complete their training to become befrienders.
How do people get involved with befriending?
Website, Adverts, Social media, Volunteer fayres, word of mouth
What do you think the biggest problem is with the befriending scheme?
Biggest problem is attracting and retaining volunteers from across the whole of Tayside to support our client referrals. It requires a longish term commitment from our volunteers to allow for continuity of support for our clients.
In your opinion, how does what you do/ what the charity does help people?
The charity offers support for people when they are at their most vulnerable. By offering a confidential 1-1 listening ear to people affected by cancer, to alleviate social isolation, worry and stress.
Can you describe a memorable moment or achievement you’ve experienced while working for this charity?
The charity had feedback from a client who said that the TCS befriender literally saved their life…..they felt so alone after their diagnosis and became so socially isolated that they were considering taking their life, and that the weekly calls with the befriender helped them to discuss their feelings, feel more worthwhile and seek further advice and support.
How does working for a charity fulfil you professionally and personally?
It’s a great job! I love it. Speaking with the clients, using my training skills, leading supervision sessions and supporting the befrienders gives me a real sense of satisfaction.
Tayside Cancer Support would like to give a big thank you to Arlene and everything she does for our charity. Our befriending scheme wouldn’t be what it was without Arlene and her continuous hard work with our current befrienders, and her many hours spent training potential new befrienders!
If you would like to be apart of our befriending scheme send us an email:
