JVN Volunteer Ambassadors

Meet Our Ambassadors

The JVN Volunteer Ambassadors Programme is a new initiative to highlight the benefits of volunteering through people in the community who are already committed to volunteering. 

What Does a JVN Volunteer Ambassador Do?

• INITIATE discussions with network of friends and contacts about the value of volunteering. This can be achieved through casual conversation, email, phone or social media. JVN provides all the material necessary to help and support.
• REPRESENT JVN at forums and get-togethers. If comfortable at social gatherings, can speak at JVN events or JVN will support our ambassadors to create their own event or coffee morning to promote JVN and volunteering.
• SUPPORT JVN in our initiatives, through social media or via word-of-mouth

> Meet Our Ambassadors

Ben Brownson

I am currently involved in the community, driven by my passion for sport, business and education. At present, I am Chairman of Golf at Maccabi GB, an Executive Member at Manchester Maccabi, and a member of the UJIA Si3 advisors committee. Alongside these roles, I am also a member of the Executive of the Old Mancunians Association – the alumni association of The Manchester Grammar School.

I have been a volunteer since my mid-teenage years, where I took part in, and graduated from, the Streetwise Leadership Course.

Hannah Cohen

Hannah Cohen joined the JVN Board as a trustee in April 2020. A mum of two living in Borehamwood, she has worked for a range of communal organisations and for a leadership development charity in the education sector.

After an extended period away from work caring for her son through his cancer treatment, she now works as a self employed freelance project manager working with charities in the education and community sectors

Michael Rosen

Like so many people, I found myself sitting at home during the COVID-19 crisis and thought that I could use my time to help others. I looked at the JVN website and saw two opportunities that were of interest. Firstly helping to deliver food parcels and other items for GIFT to families who were in need of assistance and help. I also contacted the Jewish Choice Care Home in Wembley who were looking for a gardener to help keep their grounds and gardens tidy. I visited the home every two weeks throughout the whole of the summer and look forward to getting out the lawn mower and secateurs again next year. I was very happy to help both these charities and contribute in whatever way I could.

Bernice Besser

Bernice has volunteered for a number of years including helping at the Maccabi Fun Run. 

During Covid-19 she was furloughed and decided to volunteer. She had used JVN previously and trusted them so applied for a role at Compassion London. Bernice loved volunteering there and during her 2 months completed some health and food safety exams which she was very proud of.

Rebecca Liss

A friend of mine encouraged me to contact JVN after I had been furloughed at a marketing company. I was keen to change my career path and looking to join the charity sector but was in need of experience. I came across a volunteering opportunity at Best Beginnings, a charity which helps parents to give their child the best start in life, and I can honestly say this was the best thing that could have happened to me.

After 3 months of volunteering at Best Beginnings, I was overjoyed to be given a permanent role and this would not have happened without JVN. I now wake up every day looking forward to my job, knowing my work is worthwhile and I hope to make a real impact in helping disadvantaged families across the UK

David Sagal

After being made redundant from my role at an Jewish educational organisation, I signed up with JVN in January 2020. Within weeks, JVN had introduced me to Goods For Good and I began volunteering with them in their warehouse with other volunteers.

When the Covid pandemic hit, Goods For Good focused on local homeless and asylum seekers charities and I increased my volunteering. 

My experience volunteering for Goods for Good has been life changing and uplifting.  I was able to use my many years’ experience of project management skills and my own willingness to help the needy, with working for a charity, that was making a difference locally in London and abroad. I have since been offered a contract of employment with Goods for Good.

The circle of life to me meant, from Volunteering to JVN, to being introduced to a JVN user of volunteers, to working well with JVN to get volunteers to volunteer at Goods for Good. 

What Does JVN Provide in Return?

• Quarterly meetings to provide updates and connect with other ambassadors and speakers.
• Resources and materials to help the ambassadors, including graphics and text.
• Access to the exclusive Ambassador group on WhatsApp where ambassadorss can share experiences or make suggestions.
• Regular updates from JVN on how the ambassadors' time is making a difference.
• Ongoing support from our Volunteer Team.