AN APPEAL has been lodged for desperately-needed volunteers to support a Southampton cause which helps people affected by cancer.

Andrea Lodge, who manages the Southampton’s Macmillan Information and Support Centre, is appealing to residents who are able to commit a few hours regularly every month.

Currently there are around 20 volunteers who meet and greet people that walk through the doors at the centre based at Southampton General Hospital.

The service, which reached 16,093 people affected by cancer in 2015, aims to offer comprehensive information and holistic support in a safe and welcoming environment, providing support through services such as complementary therapies, supportive listening, counselling and welfare benefits advice as well as information booklets.

Volunteer Michael Bainger said: "From the moment people step through the door, the absolute key is to be immediately recognising of them and warmly greeting them, stressing that they are most welcome and you take it from that point on.”

Sabita Lawson, who was diagnosed with cancer last September, visited the centre.

She said: "Michael was the first person I saw when I came in the centre - he’s a cheery little soul.

"I’m a confident person but it can be scary to walk through the centre door when you don’t know what to expect.

"He was so kind – he offered me everything from drinks, to experience, information on financial support, complementary therapies.

"They’re not judging you – you can cry, smile, laugh – anything you feel at the time. They’re awesome people, angels really."

Andrea said the centre, which had about 250 visitors each week, could not exist without the volunteers.

"Sometimes visitors want to be social and chat about the Great British Bake Off, other times they want to talk about really difficult situations and emotions they’re feeling.

"Our volunteers are there to welcome and guide them, whatever they might need," Andrea said.

"We are very fortunate to have such a great team of long standing volunteers, but we are now increasingly short of support staff on certain days so we are looking to add to our amazing team."

Call Andrea on 02381 206503 or e-mail MacmillanCentre@uhs.nhs.uk to find out more. Or alternatively visit the centre at the hospital.