Jewish Care
Resident Befriender - Jewish Care Residential Homes
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
What difference you will make
You will play a key part in ensuring that our residents are happy and noticed. For some of our residents, the chance to talk to someone who has the time and patience to listen and notice them, means everything.
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 additional skills or experience you should have
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.
What training we will provide for you
Training is available so 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 and Jami 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, Mental Health training and GDPR
What you will get out of volunteering for us
• 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
Not sure which role suits you or need a little friendly help? Please contact Angie at angie@jvn.org.uk for London or Rebecca at manchester@jvn.org.uk for Manchester.
Information
Location:Betty and Asher Loftus Centre
In-Person
Age limit:
Volunteers of any age
Hours per session:
Between 1 and 2 hours
Availability:
On-going
Available days/times
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
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We are happy to be flexible on location and/or times if required.