Volunteering at OSJCT is all about partnership, between us, our residents and our local communities. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of, and we do everything we can to nurture and grow these connections.

Just like our residents, our volunteers bring a wonderful mix of skills, interests, and backgrounds into our homes. That’s why we’re always striving for a diverse volunteer network, one that reflects all the people from within our community and those that we support. 

In our latest volunteer engagement survey, 31% of volunteers told us they give their time because they want to give back and help others living in their community. We couldn’t agree more! Our goal is to create rewarding and enjoyable volunteering opportunities that make a real difference both to our residents and those living in our communities.

So we’re excited to introduce a fantastic programme we became part of last year – WorkFit.

WorkFit is the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment programme, connecting employers with job seekers who have Down’s syndrome. Through supported opportunities, individuals gain confidence, independence, and valuable experience, all while meeting new people and building their social networks. 

Harriet Thaneja, OSJCT Volunteer Manager, and Roy Perrett, WorkFit Liaison Officer for the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, have been working together to match their candidates with the right opportunities in our care homes. So far candidates have been matched with opportunities in four of our homes and this is only the start of it. 

Harriet shared: “It’s been amazing working with Roy and our fantastic volunteers from the Workfit Programme. They’ve already made an impact on the home teams they support, and we’ve already learned so much about how to best support volunteers with Down’s syndrome. While we’ve offered supported volunteering internships before, WorkFit has helped us develop a more informed approach to ensure the tailored placement is a success. We’re excited to expand the programme further across our South division and beyond, it’s a win for the volunteers, our teams, and most importantly, our residents.”

Roy added: “As one of the first care home organisations in our region to take part in WorkFit, we’re already seeing how much our volunteers are gaining from the experience. They’re becoming valued members of the home teams, working with housekeeping and kitchen staff, and building skills that will help them on their career paths.”

One of our first WorkFit volunteers, Gemma Lees-Smith, has joined the housekeeping team at OSJCT and is thriving in her role. Gemma said: “My role at Seymour House makes me feel good. It has given me more independence. I really enjoy working with Jaz and the team and meeting the residents.”

Jaz Singh responded: “I really enjoy being Gemma’s work buddy - she’s fun, eager to learn, and is always happy to help. Honestly, I think I’m learning just as much from her as she is from me! She’s a brilliant addition to the team.”

If you're interested in exploring the many ways individuals and groups can get involved in volunteering at OSJCT, email volunteer@osjct.co.uk.