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Embracing Age was birthed in Richmond upon Thames in 2014 and our office is based at the ETNA Community Centre in East Twickenham.

We support care homes across the London Borough of Richmond - placing trained volunteer befrienders to visit residents regularly, as well as bringing joy and community connection through our other projects including handmade cards and gifts, emergency clothing packs and toiletries for residents in need, and building intergenerational links. 

Volunteer with us and make a difference

 
You can volunteer in a variety of ways, giving as little or as much time as you like.

We currently have a high demand for adult volunteers to befriend care home residents across
the Borough of Richmond. You can also use your talents to bring joy through crafts or nature, and support with admin or other professional skills.

Keep scrolling to find a volunteer role that suits you and click on the photos for more details.

Richmond upon Thames Volunteering Opportunities

Bring companionship by regularly visiting a care home resident
Help provide sensory activity for residents living with dementia
Help with emergency clothing packs for residents in need
Make, write or deliver handmade cards for residents near you
Help raise money for Embracing Age in your local community
Connect schools and care homes to build intergenerational links
If you would like further information about any of our Richmond roles  click on the relevant role to download a role description or email Shabnum Kramer
​To apply please complete our online application form and self declaration form by clicking on the links below: 
Meet our Richmond Co-ordinator

Shabnum Kramer

Shabum is deeply committed to serving God through compassion ministry, which has shaped her career and personal values. She has a big heart for older people and vulnerable communities and is keen for them to feel valued, connected and loved. She enjoys walking her dog, gardening and spending time hosting dinner parties with friends and family.
​Phone Shabnum: 07422 502957​

The difference our volunteers are making in Richmond

​We recruit, train and place vetted volunteers to befriend older care home residents across the borough, spending regular time with a resident doing something they enjoy together.

We also have a range of projects connecting the community with local care homes, which individuals and groups can get involved in on a regular or ad hoc basis. You can find out more about these projects on our Facebook page and the summaries below.
"There is a before and after since we received your endless support. Thanks for all your efforts. Your help and impact in our home is unmeasurable."
​
- Care Home Manager

See our projects in action 

​You can see photos of our projects and follow our latest local news on our Embracing Age Richmond Upon Thames Facebook page - follow our page and never miss an update.

Emergency Clothing Packs

The clothing project is run by dedicated volunteers who create emergency clothing packs for new residents who arrive at care homes with no support or other care home residents in need, blessing them with new or nearly lovely outfits and knitted items too.

Could you knit or crochet a snuggly shawl or bed cape to be included in the clothing packs? 
"I appreciate the support and effort of the team at Embracing Age in maintaining the quality of life for those residents who are really in need. The clothes package for one of our service users was an excellent contribution towards his personal care and presentation. He is very happy and grateful to your organisation for this kind gesture."

A care home manager

Blessing Bag project

The Blessing Bag project helps to support care home residents in need with personal hygiene products. We deliver bags filled with toiletries to care homes for support workers to distribute to new residents who arrive at the care with nothing or those residents who do not have family support.

​You can help support the project by donating items from our Amazon wishlist or contacting us to discuss other options.

Cards of Kindness project

The Cards of Kindness project is a volunteer run project making handmade cards that are sent to older people in care homes to help reduce isolation and loneliness by building a connection with their local community and lets them know people are thinking of them.

Sensory Knitted Aquariums

During the COVID pandemic we created sensory knitted aquariums for care homes residents to bring a smile to their faces and let them know that their local community was thinking of them, even when we can't visit.

We've recently received requests from local care homes for more aquariums which we're thrilled to be able to continue creating thanks to the support of local craft groups.

Full of Life in Richmond upon Thames

Every year Richmond Council run the Full of Life fair to celebrate Older People's Day. Embracing Age partner with churches across the Borough to showcase at the fair all the activities available for older people run  by churches across the Borough. We produce an up to date leaflet for the fair and distribute it with a little freebie pot of jam or honey.

The map below shows all the activities happening in churches across the Borough, and some slightly further afield - click the red pins on the map for further information. You can also download the leaflet by clicking on the button under the map.