A seminar, run by the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) at their Hendon headquarters offered training to six mentors to enable them to support volunteers with a range of special needs.

The event was run in conjunction with the Judith Trust, a charity that works with service providers, schools, synagogues and other charities to raise awareness of learning disability in order to meet the extra challenges of being inclusive for people with learning disabilities and mental ill health. Comic Relief has donated funds to support the initiative.

The seminar was led by Judith Trust trained course leaders Eliana Zur-Spiro and Jo Richler.

Ms Richler said: “It is vitally important that members of our community who have specialist needs are given all the necessary support they need to enable them to volunteer.

"For many of these people volunteering represents the all-important pathway to connecting with their community. With the right support our clients can be enabled to share their skills, learn new skills and move towards the world of work, where appropriate.”

Lia Bogod, JVN volunteer development manager, said: “I am keen to ensure that volunteers with special needs are given all the support they need in order to be able to apply for and carry out a range of volunteer roles. Our seminar covered a wide range of topics designed to ensure that we support and enhance the volunteer experience for those members of our community who have specialist needs.”