Two Leeds Jewish community organisations have announced a new collaboration designed to strengthen community connections, improve tenant experiences and create more meaningful opportunities for volunteers.
Leeds Jewish Welfare Board and Leeds Jewish Housing Association are working more closely together to build on their long-standing partnership, which has been shaped by close relationships between staff, service users, tenants and volunteers.
The collaboration will place LJWB’s established volunteer service at the centre of the initiative. The service is widely recognised within the Leeds Jewish community for its approach to volunteer recruitment, training and development.
With a network of almost 250 volunteers, LJWB has a strong track record of supporting people across a wide range of needs, helping to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and enrich community life.
Through the enhanced partnership, LJHA tenants will benefit from greater access to this experience and support. The aim is to make more effective use of volunteers across LJHA’s housing schemes and wider resident community.
LJHA already runs a number of activities within its sheltered housing schemes and across the wider tenant community. The new collaboration is expected to help expand this work further, offering more light-touch, friendly support for tenants while promoting independence, confidence and wellbeing.
The initiative will also support tenants who may need extra help when moving into a new home, making the transition feel more welcoming and less overwhelming.
Both organisations hope the collaboration will help reduce loneliness, increase social connection and foster a stronger sense of belonging among residents. It will also support inclusive cultural and seasonal events, bringing people together and strengthening community spirit.
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.”
