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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

We are putting together clothing packs for care home residents admitted at short notice and in need of clothes that are easy to put on and take off.

Could you knit or crochet a snuggly shawl or bed cape to be included in the clothing packs?

Sensory Knitted Aquariums

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.

Pictures of Joy

Pictures of Joy put a smile on the face of care home residents, particularly those with dementia, and create prompts for conversations.

We have created lovely laminated pictures, some with a line of a poem on, others just the picture, for care home residents to enjoy and to spark conversation. The pictures can be wiped clean between each resident, to stop germs spreading. Activity co-ordinators at the care homes we have trialled them  have said they have proved popular with residents.
​Below are some of the pictures we are using:

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.