This month, we featured in Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.
Sarah Raine recently met with Caroline McGibney for the magazine’s monthly Community Heroes feature, highlighting the people making a difference in our local community.
Caroline McGibney grew up in Sevenoaks and moved to Tunbridge Wells in 1987. Having worked in the legal sector in the city for 30 years, she left in 2015 and started volunteering at The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre in September 2017.
So Caroline, please tell us a bit about The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre…
The charity, named after local oncologist David Pickering, was started in 2004 by a group of cancer patients who wanted an emotional support mechanism. Since then it has grown exponentially. Last year, we had 2,055 visits and gave 1,020 complementary therapy treatments.
What is the criteria for being referred?
There is no referral process – you just turn up at the door. And we welcome all adults, and we have both male and female volunteers. Visitors can come at any stage in their cancer journey: at diagnosis, during treatment or post treatment. We never put time limits on our support, and it includes bereaved people, or those supporting loved ones with cancer. Everything we do is free for our visitors, and our services include various complementary therapies, pottery and art. The charity also owns a holiday home in Pevensey which is available for our visitors when they need a break from everything.
Why did you decide to volunteer for the charity?
When I retired, I had time available and, as someone who has been personally touched by cancer since childhood, it seemed the perfect charity to support. I literally knocked on the door to offer my help, and joined the volunteer rota making teas and coffees. As a qualified bookkeeper, I was also asked to do the banking. Today, I am proud to be the Centre Manager. The team consists of myself, Janice Rees, who is Head of Volunteers, 17 Centre volunteers and 12 volunteer therapists.
What does volunteering give you?
I consider it a huge privilege to be present for people at one of the most entirely on donations. However we are fortunate to have good relationships with local businesses and individuals, and receive legacy donations. In January, we completed the purchase of a new bigger centre on Monson Road, which will not only help us service more visitors, but will make it easier for anyone who has mobility issues. Hopefully by the end of the year we will have six therapy rooms, two counselling rooms, a big living room, a quiet room for newcomers, as well as an adaptable space for arts and pottery, yoga and tai chi. Last year we launched our ‘Key to the Door Campaign’ aiming to raise £150,000 to fully kit out and launch the new centre. All donations and fundraisers in aid of Pickering are welcome, as are gifts in kind in the form of trade skills and furnishings.
What do you look for in volunteers?
Most volunteers have lived experience of cancer, either themselves or supporting others, and bring with them the right balance of empathy and understanding. We need more volunteers, especially when the new centre opens. Our Centre volunteers are typically in their 60s and 70s, and so if any younger people would like to give some time that would be lovely for our younger visitors. We would also appreciate approaches from therapists who want to give some time. We are flexible, some of our team give a day a week, for others it’s once a month.
How can people get help?
Don’t be afraid to knock on the door, we understand how hard that might be but I can tell you first hand, this special community will make a difference. We are open four days a week 10am-3pm, closed Thursdays, bank holidays and the weekend.
To find out more visit www.pickeringcancercentre.org, where you can also find out how to support our Key to the Door Campaign. You can also come to our events including quiz nights and picnics – keep an eye on our socials @pickeringcancer.