Volunteers in Battersea have received certificates for successfully completing a course about caring for housebound people affected by cancer.

The two-month home visiting course has been held at The Wandsworth Cancer Resource Centre in York Road since 1995.

Some of the 13 new volunteers have professional qualifications in complementary therapies, while others offer befriending.

Several have friends or family who have suffered from cancer and want to use their experiences to benefit others.

New graduate Alison Cotter said: "My best friend died of breast cancer just over a year ago and there has been cancer in my family. It's a shame to let these experiences go to waste, so if I can use them to help others I will."

Fellow graduate Trina Dillon said: "Meeting complete strangers with cancer will be hard, but I'll never know if I can help unless I try."

Heather Smith, home visiting manager, added it was important that carers overcame their personal experiences of cancer before trying to help others.

There is currently 41 volunteers providing counselling, massage, healing, reflexology and befriending to around 48 clients in south London.

Last year the service won a national Award for Voluntary Endeavour and it has recently produced a guidance booklet.

For further details about the centre, which is located at 20-22 York Road, Battersea, phone 020 7924 3924.

December 5, 2001 17:00