With the support of her Waltham Abbey care home, resident Jayne Emery is making a genuine contribution to her community through a volunteering role with local charity 3Food4U.
Jayne's Volunteering Journey
Jayne, aged 60, is living with dementia and is the youngest resident at Honey Lane Care Home. Alongside the home's lifestyle coordinator Lisa, Jayne volunteers weekly at the 3Food4U charity shop on Sun Street in Waltham Abbey.
Following Jayne's success, the care home is marking Volunteers' Week (June 1–7) by introducing more of its residents to volunteering opportunities. Volunteers' Week is an annual UK-wide campaign which celebrates and recognises the contributions of volunteers, highlighting the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK.
Through her regular visits, Jayne has developed a valued routine, helping to organise stock, sort clothing and arrange the children's toy area, while warmly engaging with visitors.
Jayne said: "I enjoy giving up my time to volunteer in the community; I find the work very rewarding. It's really helped to regain my confidence and gives me such a strong sense of achievement and purpose."
Care Home's Community Impact
Honey Lane Care Home supports 38 residents living with dementia to live fulfilling, connected lives. The care home is shortlisted for The Dementia Friendly Community Project Award at the Dementia Care Awards 2026.
The volunteering role has also led to a heartwarming reunion with Carol, the charity shop manager, who lived near Jayne in the Abbey when she was younger.
"I've loved reconnecting with Carol," continues Jayne. "We enjoy a catch-up while we work and reminisce about old times. I also enjoy my hot sausage roll from Greggs, which is my weekly treat when I've finished at the shop!"
Lifestyle Coordinator's Perspective
Lisa Gammalliere, lifestyle coordinator at Honey Lane, said: "Jayne really looks forward to her visits to the charity shop; she has gained so much purpose from being able to volunteer her time and feel part of the community. The volunteering opportunity has helped Jayne remain connected to life in Waltham Abbey. For individuals living with dementia, especially those affected at a younger age like Jayne, it's so important to support her to preserve her identity, boost her emotional wellbeing, and give her the chance to contribute meaningfully to the local community. Following Jayne's success, more residents are now being introduced to volunteering opportunities."
Dementia Specialist Support
Led by qualified dementia interpreter Angela Sacks, the dementia specialist care home has developed strong links with its local community, enabling residents to actively contribute to local life and explore meaningful opportunities such as volunteering.
Angela explained: "Jayne's story reflects our wider partnership with 3Food4U. Through our Friends of Honey Lane initiative, we also provide the charity with a base for its weekly social café. We run a monthly friendship café in partnership with the charity on the third Friday of every month from 2–4pm. It's a lovely chance to build meaningful connections and lasting friendships by spending time with our team and residents. Some of our residents also attend the charity's dementia-friendly memory café, which helps to reduce isolation and strengthen community bonds within the local area."
Honey Lane's other well-established community connections include intergenerational stay and play sessions with local parents and their young children, plus links with the local Mayor and Reverend.
