Volunteer Newsletter - April 2002

Welcome to the first Helping Hands newsletter.

In this and future issues, we hope to feature items that will be of particular interest to you, our volunteers, so please let us know what you would like us to include. All suggestions gratefully received!

Come Pesach this year, Helping Hands will be celebrating its second anniversary. We now have 51 clients who receive help from our volunteers on a regular basis and many others who need help 'now and then'. Many thanks are due to our 44 regular and 'ad hoc' helpers for making this possible.

Sunday Teas

As well as help given in many different ways to individuals, we also now hold regular teas for the older Jewish residents of Brighton and Hove who might otherwise be spending their Sunday afternoons alone. These events have been very successful and we certainly plan to continue them in future.

Situations vacant

Volunteers needed for:

• 1. An elderly lady who needs help with music and movement exercises. One visit every three to four weeks would be fine.
• 2. An elderly man who lives alone and has no relatives in this area. He would very much appreciate a regular visitor for company and a chat.
• 3. An younger lady, recovering from a breakdown, who needs an understanding befriender.

Please register or contact us if you would like to help.

Training Days

On 20th January, we held our second training day in conjunction with Jewish Care. Eighteen volunteers engaged in lively discussions and role playing exercises and a great deal was learned by all who attended. A further training day is planned for 21st April and we hope that many of you will be able to join us.

Forthcoming events

• 10th April 2002 - Volunteers social evening.
• 17th April 2002 - Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations. Helping Hands will be running a stand together with other voluntary groups from the town to try to recruit more volunteers. If you can help please let us know.
• 21st April 2002 - Training Day.
• 2nd June 2002 - Jubilee tea. Look out for more details.

So many people in this area need our help in so many ways. With your help, we can continue to meet these needs.