The Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), through its Office for Cooperation and Social Action (OCAS), has reinforced its social commitment by an information day together with the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). Pilar de la Puente, coordinator of the entity in Cantabria, presented to the students the various ways of collaboration in the region, stressing that volunteering goes far beyond the hospital environment.
The main objective of the meeting was to clear up doubts about what it means to be a volunteer in the oncological field, highlighting that there are multiple ways to help beyond hospital support.
During the talk, special emphasis was placed on young volunteers, a profile that is increasingly needed to boost prevention campaigns, solidarity events and digital support. According to De la Puente, this experience not only benefits patients and their families, but it is a “transformative experience” for the student himself, allowing him to develop empathy, teamwork and social awareness skills.
In addition, the session deepened the comprehensive support of the AECC by focusing on the premise “if I can speak it, I am less afraid” to address the doubts and means that patients face.
As for the structure of volunteering, it was clarified that it is governed under the Volunteer Law to protect the collaborator, with this De la Puente expanded the professional services that the entity makes available to society, including: areas of prevention, support, accompaniment or even research for health profiles.
Finally, the roadmap for the students was detailed. After registering on the platform and selecting Cantabria, the candidates undergo a profile interview, specific training, and continuous follow-up, always with the premise of having empathy skills. active listening and strong emotional commitment.
Together with the AECC, the European University of the Atlantic reaffirms its commitment to comprehensive education. By integrating volunteerism into academic life, thereby fostering a culture of empathy and service that transcends the classroom.