Jewish Care
Qualitative Research Volunteer - ‘Singing for Memory’ - Dementia Community Programme
Jewish Care’s Singing for Memory groups provide a stimulating and friendly social environment, bringing together people who live with conditions affecting memory and their carers. The groups are not just an enjoyable activity; it’s a way for people to express themselves and socialise in a fun and supportive group. This all helps to build on the preserved memory for song and music.
We are looking to conduct an evaluation of this programme so that we can gather evidence on the impact of the groups and understand how we can improve people’s experiences. This role will involve supporting Music Therapists with participant observation, conducting one to one interviews with carers, and contributing to the analysis and reporting of findings. The volunteer and the work carried out as part of this interesting and enjoyable project will provide crucial support at a time where we continue to develop our ‘Singing for Memory’ groups, which form part of the Dementia Community Programme.
The time commitment is the weekly attendance of one Singing for Memory group (2 hours) which runs at fixed times / days, plus approximately 6 hours further for analysis and reporting, with flexible arrangements for this. This project is expected to span 3 – 4 months but there is possible further opportunity for involvement with dementia support groups, or other similar evaluation roles within Jewish Care.
What difference you will make
This important role will help Jewish Care to evaluate the impact of our music‑based dementia programmes. You’ll speak to music therapists, carers, and participants to understand how singing and music sessions support memory, wellbeing, and connection. Your research will help us to understand the difference we are making and how we can improve our services, showcase our work, strengthen future funding bids, and expand these uplifting programmes.
What additional skills or experience you should have
- Experience in research or related skills like gathering information, asking questions and listening to others’ experiences, analysing feedback or identifying patterns
- Passionate about supporting service development
- Are patient, approachable, and empathetic
- Are comfortable learning new skills and following guidance
- Basic administrative skills (notetaking) - desired but not essential.
- Confidence engaging with a diverse range of people
- A strong understanding and of issues that affect people in later life
- Reliability, consistency and dependability
- Ability to work as part of a team if required
- Good conversational and listening skills with a clear speaking voice
- The ability to work independently but also stay within the role’s boundaries – recognising what should and shouldn’t be done and when to seek advice or report concerns.
What training we will provide for you
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 Mandatory Induction Training: Getting to know Jewish Care, Communication & Disability Awareness, Boundaries & Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR.
- Provide specialist dementia training
- Provide on the job induction.
What you will get out of volunteering for us
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.
- 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.
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
Hybrid
Age limit:
Volunteers of any age
Hours per session:
Between 2 and 8 hours
Availability:
Flexible
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