JEWISH CARE

Qualitative Research Volunteer - ‘Singing for Memory’

Dementia Community Programme

(Redbridge, Stanmore, Southend, Brighton)

Role Summary: Jewish Care’s Singing for Memory groups provide a stimulating and friendly social environment, bringing together people who live with conditions affecting memory and their carers. The groups are not just an enjoyable activity; it’s a way for people to express themselves and socialise in a fun and supportive group. This all helps to build on the preserved memory for song and music.

We are looking to conduct an evaluation of this programme so that we can gather evidence on the impact of the groups and understand how we can improve people’s experiences. This role will involve supporting Music Therapists with participant observation, conducting one to one interviews with carers, and contributing to the analysis and reporting of findings. The volunteer and the work carried out as part of this interesting and enjoyable project will provide crucial support at a time where we continue to develop our ‘Singing for Memory’ groups, which form part of the Dementia Community Programme.

Time Commitment:
Weekly attendance of one Singing for Memory group (2 hours) which runs at fixed times / days, plus approximately 6 hours further for analysis and reporting, with flexible arrangements for this. This project is expected to span 3 – 4 months but there is possible further opportunity for involvement with dementia support groups, or other similar evaluation roles within Jewish Care.

How this role makes a difference: This important role will help Jewish Care to evaluate the impact of our music‑based dementia programmes. You’ll speak to music therapists, carers, and participants to understand how singing and music sessions support memory, wellbeing, and connection. Your research will help us to understand the difference we are making and how we can improve our services, showcase our work, strengthen future funding bids, and expand these uplifting programmes.

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Attending the session each week and conducting observation, alongside a qualified music therapist, using an observation framework designed to track changes over time. Record observations and debrief with music therapists after the session
• Conduct one to one interviews with carers and others
• Ensure all data is collected respectfully and ethically
• Ensure observation and interview notes are typed up
• Review interview responses and observation notes to identify key themes, and create a clear and engaging report

Skills, experience, and attributes required:

• Experience in research or related skills like gathering information, asking questions and listening to others’ experiences, analysing feedback or identifying patterns
• Passionate about supporting service development
• Are patient, approachable, and empathetic
• Are comfortable learning new skills and following guidance
• Basic administrative skills (notetaking) - desired but not essential.
• Confidence engaging with a diverse range of people
• A strong understanding and of issues that affect people in later life
• Reliability, consistency and dependability
• Ability to work as part of a team if required
• Good conversational and listening skills with a clear speaking voice
• The ability to work independently but also stay within the role’s boundaries – recognising what should and shouldn’t be done and when to seek advice or report concerns.

Induction, Learning & Development:
Training is provided so that volunteers can carry out their roles to the highest professional standards, develop new skills, build confidence, make new friends and take on new and increasingly responsible tasks. 

Jewish Care will provide the following training, essential for this role:

• Provide you with access to a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures.
• Provide Mandatory Induction Training:  Getting to know Jewish Care, Communication & Disability Awareness, Boundaries & Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR.
• Provide specialist dementia training
• Provide on the job induction.

If you have any questions at about this role or about volunteering with Jewish Care in general, please contact volunteering@jcare.org or telephone 020 8922 2405.

This is a voluntary position that supports the work or our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff.  This role does not form any part of any contract of employment.