Volunteer role description

Friern Barnet Resident Befriender – Jewish Care Residential Homes

Organisation

Jami, part of Jewish Care, is here when mental illness, distress and trauma make everyday life a struggle. With many in the Jewish community facing anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, antisemitism, family pressures and suicidal thoughts, the need for specialist mental health support has never been greater.

We currently support over 3,600 young people and adults through a wide range of services – from social work and talking therapies to volunteer befriending and vocational support – and demand continues to grow.

Guided by Jewish Care’s 2026–2030 strategy, Altogether Stronger, we are listening to our community and responding to what matters most. With Jami’s specialist expertise, we will grow mental health support for children and adults as part of Jewish Care’s wider network of care, support and community services – helping more people to live well, stay connected and feel supported across every stage of life.

What is the role?

Some of the residents in Jewish Care homes spend most or in some cases, all their time in their rooms.  This leads to feelings of isolation, loneliness and a disconnection from the outside world, which can in turn impact wellbeing and mental health. We are currently looking for volunteers to provide 1:1 support with residents in their rooms. This could be anything from having a social chat, to providing informal emotional support, signposting, and flagging any concerns to the volunteering role manager.

For some people a visit from a friendly face and a chance to talk will be all they want.  Others may like to do an activity together such as a crossword puzzle, word game, discuss poetry or something that they may have a passion for.

Key responsibilities

• Provide a warm and friendly engaging experience
• Visiting on a regular basis at an agreed time.
• To be open to change what you had planned to do and allow the resident to choose
• Provide a meaningful social connection on a one to one basis in the residents room

The person

For this role you will need to be:

• Friendly, approachable and committed to regular visits.
• A good listener with a high level of integrity and empathy.
• A confident and respectful communicator who enjoys engaging with a wide range of people.
• Reliable and flexible.
• Comfortable working with boundaries
• Willing to learn and follow guidance, policies and procedures.

We can offer you

• Induction, training, and ongoing support.
• Experience in a care setting.
• Opportunities to develop communication and relationship building skills.
• Flexible volunteering hours, regular check-ins and recognition of your contribution
• Regular support and supervision

What we need

• A willingness to complete induction and required training, including food hygiene, safeguarding and health and safety.
• A DBS check and two satisfactory references.
• 12 month commitment
• Willing to travel to The Betty & Asher Loftus Campus in Friern Barnet
• Commitment to regular sessions between the hours of 2pm and 5pm  

How to apply

To apply for the role, please follow the application process through the website, or for an initial call to discuss the role contact emma.reynolds@jamiuk.org