Volunteer Opportunity: In-Clinic Peer Support Volunteer – Oncology Clinic North York General Hospital

Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, in collaboration with North York General’s Oncology Clinic, is seeking compassionate volunteers to join our team as In-Clinic Peer Support Volunteers. This unique role provides a bridge between the Cancer Clinic and Wellspring’s community-based programs and services, offering patients and caregivers additional emotional support and access to valuable resources during their cancer journey.

Role Overview

In-Clinic Peer Support Volunteers visit patients in waiting areas and treatment spaces, offering a listening ear, comfort, and information about Wellspring programs. Volunteers may invite patients to visit Wellspring for a tour or further support, while always referring medical questions to clinic staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Check in and out with clinic staff at each shift
• Visit and engage with patients and caregivers in the clinic
• Provide emotional and peer support as appropriate
• Share information about Wellspring’s programs and services
• Maintain confidentiality and complete visit documentation

Commitment

Shifts are typically 2–4 hours weekly or biweekly.

Volunteer Requirements

• Experience as a patient or caregiver (preferred)
• Completion of Wellspring’s Virtual Peer Support Volunteer Training
• Reliability, empathy, and strong awareness of role boundaries
• Comfortable working in a hospital environment and discussing personal experiences appropriately
• Provide vaccination records for Tuberculosis, MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Chickenpox and at least two doses of the COVID vaccine, as required by the Clinic
  • Note: you can shadow a shift first before confirming vaccinations
  • If vaccination shots are required, Wellspring can help pay for the cost

Training Provided

All volunteers receive comprehensive preparation, including Wellspring Support and In-Clinic Peer Support Training, Cancer Clinic Orientation, Hospital Volunteer Orientation, and shadowing opportunities.

For more information or to express interest, please contact Amanda Galbraith, Centre Manager for Wellspring Westerkirk House at amanda@wellspring.ca.