JEWISH CARE

Activities Volunteer, Sam Beckman Centre

Betty and Ashers Loftus Centre, Friern Barnet

Role Summary: The Sam Beckman Centre is a Day Centre for people who are living with a mild to moderate memory impairment, or who have been diagnosed with a mild to moderate form of dementia. It is a wonderful, warm and welcoming place where members enjoy a whole host of stimulating activities, throughout their day.

The team are looking for volunteers who have skills, interests, or expertise in a range of areas who could use these skills to help lead and run activities for the members. Staff and volunteers will always be present at the sessions and will assist in running and supporting however is needed, we are looking for volunteers to lead and guide the sessions. The team are open to discuss any activities that could bring joy and stimulation to the members, activities they have in mind at present could be:

Time Commitment:  To be discussed with the team.

How this role makes a difference:
Volunteering at the Sam Beckman Centre is a great way to make a huge impact in a short amount of time. Activities are a major part of the day and provide wonderful and vital stimulation for the members. Research shows that taking part in group activities that cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally engaging those living with dementia can have huge benefits, from helping to reduce anxiety, depression, maintain independence and in some case slow down the decline of dementia. Volunteers help support staff by bringing extra energy and engagement to group sessions, which further enhances the members’ experiences. Together with the staff team, this role helps to enrich the day for members and helps to maintain a positive, supportive atmosphere, making the Sam Beckman Centre the wonderful place that it is.

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Planning and leading a regular weekly/fortnightly/monthly activity session
• Liaising with staff on ideas for sessions and what will or won’t work for the members
• Liaising with the staff team regarding any specific requirements, equipment, or room setup for each session
• Assisting members at the sessions to ensure they join in and contribute if they would like
• Briefing staff and volunteers before or after each session where necessary
• Always being sensitive to members’ capabilities to ensure they are supported whilst empowered to maintain their independence.  
• Treating what you see and hear as confidential and sensitive. 
• Keeping staff up to date with how your volunteering has gone and promptly reporting anything of concern.    

Skills & experience required:

• Calm, friendly and patient, with a non-judgmental attitude
• An understanding of issues that affect people in later life, in particular those living with dementia (specialist training provided).
• Confidently engage with a diverse range of people and enjoy helping others.  
• Awareness of the importance of dietary and other needs and requirements in a person-centred care environment. 
• Reliability, consistency and dependability.  
• Ability to communicate, good listening skills with a clear speaking voice.  
• The ability to work proactively 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 Induction Training:  Getting to know Jewish Care, Communication & Disability Awareness, Boundaries & Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR.
• Agreed ‘‘essential training’’ to be entered here – Training Matrix.
• Provide on the job induction.

Benefits of Volunteering with Jewish Care:

Without our volunteers, we simply couldn’t function.  We absolutely depend on you.  Whatever your age, disability, whether you are working, unemployed or retired, there are opportunities to help at Jewish Care.

As well as helping others you’ll get the chance to develop skills, build confidence and make new friends.

• Enhance the lives of older people, making a real difference to the Jewish Community we support.
• Be part of a great team and make new friends.
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills.
• Access to a comprehensive training programme designed for the social care environment.
• Gain valuable experience and enhance your CV
  
  

Our aim is to enable people to enjoy a first-class experience as volunteers, making the most of their skills to make an impact on the communities that Jewish Care serve.

Why get involved with Jewish Care?
The work of Jewish Care and the services we provide to our community are vital.  We touch the lives of 10,000 people each week, with everything we do being underpinned by our Jewish values and ethics.  We provide services to:

• Older people
• People with Mental Health needs
• Holocaust Survivors
• People who are living with Dementia
• People with physical and sensory disabilities
• People who care for others

We can only do this thanks to our amazing professional staff of 1,400 and the 3,000 dedicated volunteers who help make our work possible.

Next Steps to becoming a volunteer at Jewish Care:
Step 1: Please complete an expression of interest form for this role, which will automatically create a profile on our volunteer management system.  After you have applied, we will be in touch to discuss this role in more detail.
Step 2: Following a successful conversation, with a member of the Volunteers Team or Hiring Manager you will be invited for an interview (and asked to bring identification with you).
Step 3: Following a successful interview, you will be offered the volunteering role and asked to add further information into your volunteer profile, providing two references and completing a DBS (previously CRB) application form online.  Additional paperwork may need to be completed for some roles e.g. volunteer driver.
Step 4: You will be invited to attend mandatory Volunteer Induction Training, as well as any specialist training relevant to your volunteer role. Training is to enable volunteers to carry out roles to the highest professional standards, develop skills, build confidence and meet other new volunteers
Step 5:  Mazel-tov/Congratulations! Once we have received and recorded a suitable DBS, satisfactory references and training has been completed, you are officially part of the Jewish Care Volunteer network!

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.

If you have any questions at all about volunteering with Jewish Care or would like to discuss this, or look into other roles,  please contact volunteering@jcare.org or telephone 020 8922 2405.