JVN Blog

Below is an article written by Rhys Handley that appeared in the Times Series Newspaper.

A Jewish volunteering service are working with Barnet’s health services to make sure the people who want to be volunteers go to the best-suited services.

The Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) has announced it is working with the Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group and the Barnet Wellbeing Hub.

People with mental health issues, physical or learning difficulties will be supported by volunteers working to raise their self-esteem and encourage them to maximise their potential in the workplace.

JVN will allocate fully trained mentors to assist them when applying for volunteering roles and, if necessary, accompany them to interviews and induction sessions.

Doreen Morris, the project’s supported volunteering coordinator said: “I am very excited to be engaging in this new cross-communal effort on behalf of JVN to improve the state of those living locally with mental health issues and physical disabilities.

“It is an issue in urgent need of attention in Barnet and volunteering has been proven as an effective, meaningful and often fun way of increasing wellbeing, productivity and self-confidence.”

JVN began work on this project with a grant from Comic Relief in 2015 and has been involved in supported volunteering for over five years.

They believe that everyone irrespective of their ability, age, gender or religious belief should have the opportunity to volunteer.