Beechwood Cancer Care Centre is looking for new volunteers to help support the charity in 2016 and beyond.

There are many roles available if you are looking to kickstart your new year with a new hobby and goal.

Jean Fairhurst is one new volunteer for Beechwood and decided after taking early retirement from 37 years in education that she wanted a new challenge.

Jean has had friends and family who have been affected by cancer and was recommended by a friends to look at volunteering opportunities at Beechwood.

She now works in the centre’s new on site charity shop, where her creative interests have been utilised with window dressing.

She said: “Working as a volunteer has enriched my life greatly. From day one at Beechwood I have never looked back, it is like a huge family unit who pull together and work as a perfect team.

“I remember my first day there clearly, feeling very nervous in such a different role.

“But I need not have worried one bit, both staff and volunteers went out of their way to come and introduce themselves and make me feel so welcome.

 Comfort

“If people find the time to help all be it in a small way, it will make a difference to someone else’s life.

“The comfort, friendship and support of the Beechwood team have made a huge impact on me and I would urge anybody who is considering becoming a volunteer to make Beechwood their number one choice now.”

Opportunities that are currently available include retails assistants in Beechwood’s five charity shops, which are at the centre, and in Edgeley, Heald Green and Woodley.

Lorraine Fairclough, community and volunteer manager at Beechwood, said: “The New Year marks a fresh start for many of us and volunteering offers a whole assortment of opportunities that can help meet your personal goals as well as helping others.

“People who volunteer feel valued, have a network of friends and opportunities to get involved in a wide range of activities and just a few hours a week can make a real difference to us.

“It would be a great resolution for the new year, so if you are feeling inspired, please do get in touch.”

If you would like further information or an application pack, call 0161 476 0384 to speak to Lorraine or email volunteering@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk.