Six Sundays make all the difference
EEING THE residents, I see myself getting old and know that one day it will be me sitting in that chair and waiting for young people to come and join me for the afternoon,” says Talia Jacobs, a 26-year-old solicitor, reflecting on why volunteering is important to her.
After taking part in Young Jewish Care’s Six Sundays group, a regular volunteering opportunity for young professionals at Jewish Care’s Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet, Talia and her friend, Natasha Kanolik, decided to create a new group in Essex.
Talia says: “I absolutely loved Six Sundays and we wanted to bring that joy and warmth to Essex. So far we’ve held two sessions at Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House in Redbridge and they’ve been brilliant.”
The concept is simple. Committing to weekly sessions might be tricky for younger people with busy work and social lives. However, volunteering with friends and meeting new people on six Sundays a year feels more achievable.
Talia, who lives in Chigwell, explains: “I love using my time doing something that is fulfilling and that is so different to my job.
“I am also lucky that my friends enjoy it too, so it’s something that we do together. It really is an amazing programme that just seems to snowball, as it appeals to so many people.”
Together, Natasha and Talia plan engaging and stimulating activities for the residents and volunteers to do together, while chatting and getting to know one another.
“We may run an arts and crafts session around a festival, do karaoke or have a singalong. The activities vary but the main thing is to see everyone enjoying themselves.
“I learn a lot from talking to and being with older people. They have lived through times that are so different to ours and they have so many interesting experiences to share.
“I’m also looking forward to working on Young Jewish Care’s new law committee, which will combine networking opportunities for young law professionals with supporting Jewish Care.”
Adam Overlander Kaye, Jewish Care’s director of fundraising and community engagement, says: “Volunteering can be a very healthy way to create balance in our busy lives and there are so many opportunities for younger people to support and engage with older people in our community. We have a lot to learn from one another across the generations.” Taking on challenges can be a great way to stay fit and motivated, while raising funds for charity. This could be running
5K, 10K, a half or full marathon, through to Tough Mudder events, cycling and parachute jumps.
Max Heller, a 27-year-old investment banker and his girlfriend Claire Blumenthal, a 26-year-old MBA student, recently ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon together.
The couple, who are from America, say being involved in Jewish Care has made them feel part of the community.
“We both enjoy running,” says Heller, “and it’s been really motivating to train together. The Royal Parks Half Marathon was a great way to see the incredible parks and palaces in London. I’ve always been involved with my community and was inspired to run for Jewish Care as I’m participating in the Young Jewish Care lay leadership development programme.
“I’m learning so much about the charity and meeting a great group of committed young professionals; I’d really recommend it.”
To find out more about volunteering for Jewish Care or taking on a challenge for 2019, contact volunteering@jcare.org or events@jcare.org or call 020 8922 2834. Registered charity 802559