Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB) and Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) have announced a new collaboration which is set to further strengthen community connections, enhance tenant experiences and create more meaningful opportunities for volunteers.
Both organisations share a long-standing history of partnership, rooted in close relationships amongst staff, service users, tenants and volunteers.
At the heart of the initiative is LJWB’s highly regarded volunteer service, widely recognised as the Leeds Jewish community’s gold standard for volunteer recruitment, training and development.
With a dedicated network of almost 250 volunteers, the service has a proven track record of enriching lives and supporting individuals across a wide range of needs.
Through this enhanced collaboration, LJHA will benefit from expanded access to this expertise, enabling more effective use of volunteers to support tenants and strengthen community life for their residents.
LJHA currently runs several activities both within its sheltered housing schemes and within the wider resident community, and will seek to broaden this further through the initiative.
Key benefits it is expected to deliver include a more welcoming moving experience for LJHA tenants, helping those who may need additional help to settle into their homes with greater confidence and ease, and more light-touch, friendly volunteer support to promote independence and wellbeing.
The collaboration will also endeavour to reduced isolation and increased social connection for tenants, fostering a stronger sense of belonging, and inclusive celebration of cultural and seasonal events, bringing people together and strengthening community spirit.
Left to right: Claudie Ineson, LJWB Volunteer Manager; Elayne Peter, LJWB & LJHA volunteer; and Charlotte Kemp, LJHA Deputy Sheltered Housing Manager.
Craig Simons, LJHA Director of Operations, said: "By combining resources, expertise and shared values, LJHA and LJWB are creating a more integrated approach to volunteering support - one that places people and community at its core.
“We are tapping into LJWB’s volunteer pool bringing both additional resources, skill and appropriate training whilst ensuring value for money for those we support.”
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation, compassion and partnership. By working more closely together, both organisations aim to build on our respective strengths, ensuring tenants and service users benefit from a coordinated, responsive and person-centred approach.
“As this initiative develops, it is expected to further enhance the services we provide, deepen community engagement and create more opportunities for volunteers to play a meaningful role in supporting others.”
Liz Bradbury, LJWB Chief Executive, said: “Our amazing volunteering team are proud to be supporting LJHA. Volunteering changes lives — for the people helped and for volunteers, who gain so much from being part of something so worthwhile.
“Together, LJWB and LJHA are demonstrating the power of partnership - creating stronger connections, richer experiences, and a more vibrant, supportive community for all.”
Anyone wishing to be part of this initiative and join the LJWB volunteering family are invited to contact Claudie Ineson on Tel: 0113 268 4211 or email claudie.ineson@ljwb.co.uk