Knit For Hope

Programme	Knit For Hope This programme at NCCS is volunteer-driven and led by Ms Lyn Ee, who is also a cancer survivor and experienced knitter. A) Hat-Knitting Hair loss is among the common side effects of some treatments. Hats are knitted by volunteers and distributed free-of-charge to patients at the NCCS to help patients protect their scalps in air-conditioned rooms and to help them look and feel better. B) Knockers-Knitting Breast cancer patients, who have had mastectomy, may not have access to the use of breast prostheses, possibly due to the cost or low awareness. Cotton breast prostheses are knitted by volunteers and distributed free-of-charge through breast care nurses at the NCCS Specialist Oncology Clinic B and volunteers at the NCCS Volunteer Booth.
Beneficiary	A) NCCS patients receiving chemotherapy treatments B) NCCS breast cancer patients, who have had mastectomy
Volunteer position & description of volunteer service	Position 1: Hat-Knitters To support the knitting of hats. Level of Patient Interaction: Low / Minimal interaction that may involve meeting patients Position 2: Knockers-Knitters To support the knitting of breast prostheses. Level of Patient Interaction: Low / Minimal interaction that may involve meeting patients Position 3: Admin Support To support the administrative processes of the activity. Level of Patient Interaction: Low / Minimal interaction that may involve meeting patients Position 4: Distribution Support (Open to volunteers of positions 1, 2 and 3) To support the distribution of hats to NCCS patients. Level of Patient Interaction: Moderate / Basic interaction that involves meeting and speaking with patients
Commitment required	As the knitted items are to be used by cancer patients, who have low immunity, you have to abide by good hygiene practices that are advised. Position 1: You may commit to: (i) 6 knitting sessions (2-hours per session) at the NCCS on Saturday mornings, and ii) your personal free time to complete knitting at least 1 hat. You are required to attend the first three scheduled sessions, and encouraged to participate in the subsequent knitting sessions, especially if you are new to knitting as there are volunteer-trainers on-site. Position 2: A pre-evaluation by the programme-lead will be required to assess suitability for this position. Position 3: You may commit to 3-hours at the NCCS on Saturday mornings. Position 4: You may commit about 3 to 6 hours per day: (i) 9am to 12pm (includes a 15-min break-time), or (ii) 12pm to 3pm (includes a 15-min break-time), or (iii) 9am to 3pm (includes 2x 15-min break-time and 1-hr lunch break from 11.30am to 12.30pm This is scheduled on the 20th of each month. If this date falls on a weekend or a public holiday, distribution will be re-scheduled to the following working day.
Minimum age	16 years old
Desired qualities, personality, talents and/or skills	Position 1: Interest in knitting Position 2: Advanced knitting skills; experienced in using double pointed needles (DPN) Positions 3 & 4: Organised, meticulous and approachable
What to note	Volunteers must be pre-registered before the volunteering session. Strictly no walk-in. We are grateful for the strong public interest in this programme, but we do not accept hat donations from external parties.