As the festive season approaches, Cumbria residents have the chance to give back and spread holiday cheer through various volunteering opportunities. 

Local charities and organisations are actively seeking volunteers to make a positive impact during the holiday season.

British Heart Foundation

One of which is the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The charity is calling for seasonal volunteers to help in their shops during the festive period. 

Positions are currently available at two of the charity outlets in Carlisle, English Street and at Victoria Viaduct. 

Roles available include cash desk and sales floor volunteers as well as 'operational elves'. 

Christmas volunteers can spend as little as a day volunteering, whether it's decorating shop windows, re-stocking our busy shop floors, or having a chat with customers while they shop. 

To view available positions, visit www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteer/volunteer-in-our-shops

MacMillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support is looking for more than 50 people who can spare a few hours a week to help provide face-to-face or telephone support to those living with the condition.

Across Cumbria, there is a shortage of volunteers to offer vital practical or emotional support to help those with cancer feel less alone and isolated. 

The charity is hoping to sign up people from across the county to either its ‘telephone’ or ‘community’ buddy schemes.

Full training, and support, will be provided to new volunteers, who will be asked to spend time talking and listening, to help with the emotional wellbeing of the people they are matched with.

For further information about the volunteering schemes go to: Volunteering as a Macmillan Buddy | Macmillan Cancer Support

Age UK

By volunteering with Age UK's Telephone Friendship Service, you will be giving companionship to an older person and helping make a real difference for Age UK, especially during the Christmas period. 

Volunteers are expected to commit to once a week for a year for the friendly 30-minute chat that runs over Christmas day. 

You can find out more here. 

Hospice at Home West Cumbria

The charity is offering a wide range of volunteering opportunities to suit you depending on your skills, experience and interests. 

Positions available include fundraising, collection box and craft group volunteers. They are also actively seeking a volunteer handyperson. 

You can contact their volunteer coordinator, Teresa McCall for more information on 01900 873173.

You can view available positions here. 

Cancer Research UK

The world's leading independent cancer charity is currently recruiting shop volunteers throughout Cumbria.

Positions are available in Carlisle, Keswick, and Workington. 

For more information visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/volunteer