Community
‘Volunteering is so worthwhile. I get back as much as I give’
The JC’s Mensch of the Month for August is Germaine Sharon from Paperweight
August 27, 2025 16:29
The JC’s Mensch of the Month for August is Germaine Sharon from Paperweight
August 27, 2025 16:29Germaine Sharon was born in Switzerland, came to England in her early 20s, started a family and has been doing voluntary work since she was a young adult. Now living in north-west London, she has a background as a benefits adviser for the Citizens Advice Bureau. She is now a caseworker at Paperweight, where she “really does merit the title of ‘mensch’, constantly pulling out all the stops to help”, the support charity said.
Paperweight seeks to ease the “everyday burden of dealing with the practicalities of household paperwork and bureaucracy”. It was launched in 2010 to provide practical guidance and support to those in crisis in the Jewish community.
What drew you to Paperweight?
My husband was already a caseworker with Paperweight and I had just finished volunteering for another charity as a benefits adviser. My husband asked Paperweight whether there was any need for that and they responded enthusiastically.
What does your role there involve on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis?
We are all volunteers, so whenever a new case is opened, the triage team gets in touch with whoever has the right skill set to deal with that specific case, and then once we’re assigned, we guide our client through whatever situations they are in.
How do you think your work has made a difference – either to the individuals you work with or the wider community?
When clients approach us, they are unable to solve their problems by themselves. We help them solve their problems and taking that worry off them is a very gratifying feeling.
Has your time working with Paperweight benefited you?
Definitely. I think it’s just as beneficial to me as it is for the client. It gives me great satisfaction.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in your work and how did you overcome them?
Not every situation is solvable, which can be disappointing for both the client and for me, but I think the majority of cases are successful, and that gives you the drive to carry on.
What is something you have learnt from your experience working with Paperweight?
I’ve learnt to be nonjudgmental. I’ve learnt to be very patient. A lot of people in our community have very difficult lives and haven’t got the kind of support that I have always had, so it’s very, very gratifying.
What keeps you motivated to continue doing this work?
I don’t feel I need specific motivation for my work; I just feel that I need to try and solve somebody’s issues and help them. The motivation is just there.
Who or what has influenced your values and sense of responsibility towards others?
My mother was always volunteering when I was growing up, and that shaped the adult I am now.
What does the word ‘mensch’ mean to you?
A mensch is a person who behaves in a dignified and human way, and goes out of their way to do things for others.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is looking to volunteer with Paperweight?
It’s very worthwhile. It gives back to you as much as you give to it.
paperweight.org.uk
To get more from community, click here to sign up for our free community newsletter.