Why I am a Daffodil volunteer

MY name is Gina Spollen and I am from Killiney. I work as a volunteer in the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Centre in St Vincent’s Hospital.

The Irish Cancer has 11 Daffodil Centres across the country. The nearest one to me is the one in St Vincent’s. The Daffodil Centre is staffed by a specialist cancer nurse who is supported by a number of volunteers, such as myself.

Daffodil Centres are based in hospitals for a reason. They are on-site so that cancer patients and their families can visit when they need the Daffodil Centre most.

Often the Daffodil Centre is the first place a patient will visit after a cancer diagnosis. The Daffodil Centre is a place that anyone worried about cancer can visit for information, support and advice with no appointment or referral necessary.

I decided to become a volunteer after my mother had passed away. I had more time to offer and wanted to give something back.

As a cancer survivor myself, I was keen to support those who may be newly diagnosed with cancer. I think I can help cancer patients as I know what they are going through and the challenges they are facing. I find that cancer patients like to chat to a survivor, as they like to see someone who has come out the other side of a cancer journey.

Sometimes people come in and they don’t want to talk to anyone, and that’s fine. I show them the information materials on display and leave them to browse.

Other times, visitors may be distressed so we are there to support them and to introduce them to the nurse who can offer further care and see if they would benefit from the other services that are available to them.

I underwent training in the Irish Cancer Society before becoming a Daffodil Centre volunteer so I feel I have the skills needed for the role when added to my own personal story.

My job as a volunteer is to welcome visitors to the centre, to talk to inquirers and to identify their needs so we can signpost them in the right direction of further support.

I also participate in

‘Cancer Awareness & Early Detection’ campaigns in the hospital and promote key cancer prevention messages.

There’s a great bunch of volunteers in the Daffodil Centre in St Vincent’s Hospital and we work with Fiona, the nurse, in supporting those who come through the doors.

I am delighted to be able to help deliver this free cancer service to the patients and families attending St Vincent’s Hospital.