Jewish Care
The 72-year-old volunteer co-ordinator at Jewish Care’s Princess Alexandra Home in Stanmore works in the furniture trade. He says: “I can fit volunteering around my work as I am self-employed.” He became involved with the home in 2002 when Jewish Care took it over
Why Jewish Care?
The volunteer department asked me if I would like to help at Princess Alexandra Home. I had been a volunteer since 1997 with Jewish Care’s bereaved partners’ groups in Golders Green and Redbridge. Then I remarried and it was no longer an appropriate role for me. So I took a sabbatical and waited for something else to come along.
What does your volunteering role involve?
I am the volunteer co-ordinator and job-share the role. This involves recruiting and interviewing volunteers and allocating jobs. I also give talks to groups such as the League of Jewish Women. There is a wide range of roles, from befriending residents and helping at meal times to organising activities or outings or helping with computers. We also need volunteers to play games such as bridge or chess.
What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
What I find most satisfying is helping other volunteers to find roles they enjoy. The residents are our prime concern and need plenty of help.
What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
Going to kiddush on Friday afternoons, where I arrange for speakers such as rabbis to come into the home. Seeing the gleam in the residents’ eyes, that is truly special.
