Volunteer Appreciation Party Highlights Friendship Circle’s Impact

MANCHESTER — 30 female volunteers attended an appreciation Party this Monday night given to recognise their participation and dedication to the Friendship Circle. The Friendship Circle is an exciting initiative that pairs teenage volunteers with children and adults with special needs. The chief executive of Langdon community, Robert Mutch recognises that, “enabling young people with learning disabilities to make friends and develop social networks is a challenge.”

The goal of the programme is to improve the integration of Jewish people with learning disabilities and special needs through organised social events, regular activity programmes and an innovative buddying scheme. Robert has praised the programme “The work of the Friendship Circle has not only made this possible for many people but has exceeded our expectations.”

The evening paid tribute to the volunteers for their active involvement in the Friendship Circle and was also a night to say goodbye to a number of them who are leaving to go to Seminary and University. After an emotive speech by Rabbi David Jaffe, reinforcing the importance of the volunteers to the Friendship Circle, Esty Bruck, the Operations Manager, presented the leavers with a certificate and gift as a parting thank you for all their efforts.

All of the volunteers were then treated to a surprise visitor – a professional dance instructor to teach them how to ‘hip hop’! Cries of laughter were heard as the girls jumped right into performing their new dance moves…or at least attempted to!

It was a truly inspiring evening. Many of the volunteers commented on how their participation in the programme had changed their lives. They have been motivated by the knowledge that, even though they themselves may only be young, they really have so much to give and have been empowered by the most simplest of pleasures – bringing a smile to their friends face.

Rosie Haffner, one of the volunteers who will be leaving this summer said “To see what a difference such small actions can make to people’s lives is not only fulfilling it is also humbling.”

Volunteer, Daniella Neuman, added “The Friendship Circle is a unique organisation which both parties gain from. You go in to volunteer and leave with a sense of satisfaction. It’s a true sense of joy and has had a very positive impact on my life.”

If you would like to volunteer for The Friendship Circle please contact Esty Bruck on 07895 742 296.