Lighting up our lives
Welcome to our latest issue of Careline
This issue is packed with stories and photos from across Jewish Care over the last six months. As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments on the design and content of Careline. Please send these to editor@jcare.org or call 07391 738 312.
EDITOR Naomi Creeger
Editorial enquiries: Email: editor@jcare.org
DESIGN & PRODUCTION BY
Mark Wingrove, Jewish Care’s in-house design studio to keep costs to a minimum
COVER PHOTO
Members, staff and volunteers celebrate Chanukah at Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Hayley Aaron, Daniel Carmel-Brown
Naomi Creeger, Judith Flacks, Anna Hoffman Nicola Noah, Marcus Sperber
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Blake Ezra, Claire Jonas, Justin Grainge
Lauren Kayser, Amber Pollack, Mike Stone, Yakir Zur staff and volunteers across Jewish Care
Printed by Media Group
Special thanks to everyone who helped with this issue. The views expressed in Careline are not necessarily those of Jewish Care or its employees.
No article or photo published in Careline can be reproduced in part or in full, electronically or by any other means of dissemination, without the prior permission of Jewish Care.
© Jewish Care 2024
Welcome from Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown
Our amazing volunteers At Jewish Care’s Volunteer Awards
Woman of Distinction Awards Celebrating those who inspire us
Meet Jewish Care’s new Chair Marcus Sperber is excited about the opportunities ahead 05Transforming lives with support How Sandra has begun to shine at our centre for people living with dementia 06 See our new care and community campus in Redbridge taking shape And find out more about our hard hat tours in spring 2025
Around the world of Jewish Care Highlights from some of our events, activities and occasions and the Jewish in Jewish Care 11YJJC’s Nicole Ashton explains Why it’s so important for young people to get involved
Time for new direction
New directors – Rita Rousso and Rob Train Our award-winning care and support 13 Leilah’s leap for our residents Life President, Lord Levy with our skydiving social coordinator
17Jewish Care and Generation 2 Generation
Marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz
18 A night at the opera
An evening to remember at the Royal Opera House
19 The inspiring legacy of Mavis James z’l She was incredible in her lifetime and beyond
20 Jami’s resources and guide support us after October 7
Supporting us to understand our reactions
21Jami’s Dangoor Children and Young Person’s service
Expanding our service with support of the Dangoor family
22 Celebrate with Jewish Care
A huge Mazal Tov and thank you to those who shared their simchas with us
23 A day in the life of our social worker
Stories from the south east
Michael brings Serenata music to care home residents
24 Ask us a question
Questions and answers from Jewish Care’s free and confidential helpline
26
Guide to what we do
Where to find our wide-ranging services for the community
Welcome from the CEO
Daniel Carmel-Brown, Chief Executive, Jewish Care
As ever, it has been an incredibly busy few months at Jewish Care, and I hope you will enjoy reading about some of the highlights in this issue of Careline.
We were delighted to welcome Marcus Sperber as the new Chair of Jewish Care in September. Our deepest thanks and appreciation go to our outgoing Chair, Jonathan Zenios, for his incredible leadership and for the enormous contribution he has made to the organisation over the last four years as Chair, and historically for over two decades, having previously served as Treasurer. I know that you will join us in wishing him all the best. You can read more from Marcus in the coming pages. Marcus’s strategic and visionary thinking, breadth of experience and expertise will ensure that Jewish Care continues to be a leading organisation and provider of care, not only in the community, but also in the wider social care sector.
on Site Award and Outstanding Care Provider Award at the Retirement Living Awards. Many of our tenants often tell us that the care we provide is outstanding and life-changing, and we are thrilled to have this recognised by the wider sector.
I’m also pleased to give inspiring updates on the work of our Jami colleagues. Following an extremely difficult year for us as a community, Jami has created resources to provide support and to help us understand our reactions to the horrific attacks of October 7th and the subsequent rise in antisemitism, which continues to have a profound effect on the mental health of the Jewish community. On World Mental Health Day, we launched a new community befriender service at Head Room, Jami’s social enterprise café in Golders Green.
We continue to find ways to ensure our response to the growing need for sustainable mental health services is met.
“AT JEWISH CARE, WE ALWAYS STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE, SO WE ARE PROUD TO RECEIVE RECOGNITION AS AN OUTSTANDING SOCIAL CARE PROVIDER.”
Marcus joined us at his inaugural event at The Betty and Aubrey Lynes Volunteer Awards, celebrating the contribution of just some of the incredible 3000 volunteers across the generations who are the lifeblood of Jewish Care. We have also enjoyed numerous fundraising events, organised by our dedicated committees, and celebrated the Jewish festivals across our services in ways that are uplifting and meaningful for our residents, tenants and members.
I’m pleased to share that we are making excellent progress on our new, first-class care and community campus in Redbridge, which includes The Sugar Family Care Home, The Ronson Community Centre and The Dennis Centre, to meet the needs of the local community in north east London and Essex, now and into the future. We are excited to invite you to book in to a hard hat tour of the development in the spring.
At Jewish Care, we always strive for excellence, so we are proud to receive recognition as an outstanding social care provider. We have been shortlisted for and received awards over the last year, and I wanted to highlight our Retirement Living teams who ware finalists in the Best Care
Following a generous gift from the Dangoor family, we are pleased to announce that we will be able to expand to reach more children and young people who are living with mental health difficulties in the Jewish community through Jami’s Dangoor Children and Young Person’s service.
Responding to changes in government, we recently wrote to our supporters to address the figures from the recent Budget, as Jewish Care faces an additional bill of £1.1million each year in National Insurance. We are working hard, together with national care organisations, to make representations to the Government for an exemption to care providers and charities. We also turn to you, our supporters. We are grateful for all that you do, and we know with your continued support we will rise to the challenges ahead. We hope you will consider this, when you see the Chanukah appeal inside, and give generously to help us to bring light to the lives of the thousands of people who we support each week. Thank you for all that you do, we couldn’t do what we do without you. I wish you a very Happy Chanukah and more peaceful and Happy New Year ahead.
Marcus Sperber takes up role as new Chair of Jewish Care
Jewish Care has always been a cause close to my heart and it is a privilege to have taken up my new role as Chair this September, after serving as a Trustee since 2021.
Iam immensely proud of the work happening all around Jewish Care and Jami every day and I am honoured to have been handed the Chair’s baton by Jonathan Zenios, to whom this organisation owes a debt of gratitude for his many years of exceptional and ongoing service.
I am always in awe of the amount we, at Jewish Care, do to support those we care for, including older people, those who are at the end of life or living with dementia, family carers, Holocaust survivors, and people from the age of 11 who are living with mental illness or distress. We continue to strive to provide a support network to the community, but we recognise there is always more need than our constrained resources sometimes allow.
“I AM IMMENSELY PROUD OF THE WORK HAPPENING ALL AROUND JEWISH CARE AND JAMI EVERY DAY.”
I am really excited by the opportunities that lie ahead of us. Watching our new first-class care and community campus in Redbridge being built is just one example of this. I also look forward to seeing Jami, now part of Jewish Care, continue to expand and deliver resources to respond to the community’s mental health challenges and to provide hope and support for recovery.
Since starting this new role, I continue to be inspired and uplifted by the many key stakeholders, supporters, staff, clients and incredible carers I have had the privilege
of meeting over the past couple of months. I have attended fundraising events, our uplifting Volunteer Awards and Staff Awards, and have visited many of our resources. I am very much looking forward to continuing to meet more of the Jewish Care family in time.
The people who live in our care homes and retirement living schemes, and visit our community centres, all have their own unique history, and I am moved and enthused by the hard work, commitment and Jewish Care values demonstrated by everyone involved in their care.
I care deeply about the Jewish community and Jewish Care. Moreover, I believe that everyone in our community, no matter their age or circumstances, should be treated with dignity, care and respect. No one should feel isolated, and everyone should be able to enjoy a full Jewish life. I like to think Jewish Care can meet this need.
I’m proud to be the Chair of this inspiring, Jewish, caring organisation and to be able to play a part, alongside so many others, in ensuring that Jewish Care continues to be a beacon for us all today, and for generations to come.
Transformational support for people living with dementia
Sandra has two sons and five grandchildren who she dotes on. She grew up in the East End and was a very talented dressmaker. At 19, Sandra married Ronnie and they had two sons, Murray and Michael. She was a homemaker and later a fundraiser for many charities, including Cancer Research UK, and raised millions of pounds for the North London Hospice with a team of fundraisers.
In 2014, Sandra’s family noticed she was experiencing some memory loss. A few years later it was confirmed that she had mild cognitive impairment and her memory became progressively worse.
Since Sandra began attending the The Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia, the staff and volunteers, along with Sandra’s sons, feel that her time there has been transformational. She had become quite reclusive, but she is now far more engaged in activities. The personcentred support and activities at the Centre have given a real focus and purpose to Sandra’s week.
“It was the choir that turned out to be the activity which really made the difference to Sandra, who arrived at the Centre as quiet and introverted. She wouldn’t even accept a cup of tea,” says Teresa O’Sullivan, Jewish Care’s Centre Coordinator at The Sam Beckman Centre.
“The choir sessions helped Sandra to engage, open up and begin to shine so that our team of specialist staff and volunteers, with experience of supporting people living with dementia, could get to know her.
“Sandra began to sing and join in. We saw her body language begin to change. She was making eye contact and from there, she began to make little jokes with people and show us that she has a cheeky sense of humour and a warm personality. It was amazing to see this transformation since
she joined the Jewish Care community we have created.“
In a typical week, Sandra enjoys the best antidote to Monday morning – the intergenerational session with Hartbeeps, singing, joining in and using the props alongside the toddlers who bounce and bop along. They have lovely connections, which Sandra says takes her back to memories of her youth.
Then, participating in some gentle exercise, Sandra also lifts light weights and absorbs helpful tips from Caeser Okeyo, our Programme Assistant, on how to stay active, be healthy and continue to do the things we love and enjoy.
Following a hot, tasty and nutritious lunch with fellow members, there is entertainment with Will Smith’s tunes from the 1950s and 60s. Sandra’s love for music shines through again, as she taps her feet, sings along and then, when invited, dances.
With time, gentle encouragement and support, Sandra has found she can be herself at the Centre and our team has found out what really matters to her.
“It gives us so much pleasure to see this. There really is no greater reward than this, in the work we do,” says Teresa. To find out more about our centres for people living with dementia, email helpline@jewishcare.org or call 020 8922 2222.
Redbridge care and community campus is taking shape
“
It’s amazing to see our new development in Redbridge taking shape and on track for completion in 2026 and there is so much good news to share,” says CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown. “In November, we were excited to welcome members of the Sugar and Ronson families, our cornerstone donors, along with key members of the Redbridge community, for a tour of our new firstclass care and community campus for north east London and Essex. In spring 2025, we will be inviting the local community on hard hat tours to begin to share in the excitement of seeing our long-held vision becoming a reality.
“Following that, Jewish Care will be holding our first ever community fundraising campaign on 18-19 May, to raise the additional funds to help us complete our vision for the new, modern, and fully accessible care and community campus.”
The fourth development hub will meet the needs of the local community in north east London and Essex, now and into the future. It will include The Sugar Family Care Home, a 66-bed care home to replace our Vi & John Rubens House care home in Gants Hill, The Ronson Community Centre, The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia, and the base for our local Social Work and Community Support Team and Meals on Wheels hub.
Updates, via an onsite time-lapse camera, provide a realtime view of the building’s progress. The campus should achieve an excellent BREEAM rating, indicating very low energy requirements and carbon emissions, high standards of health and wellbeing measures, responsible sourcing of materials, excellent waste management, water efficiency and ecological impact.
We have engaged specialist care home interior design company, Park Grove, whose director, Lori, is an industry leader in designing care homes and in particular dementiafriendly care homes. They have advised us on incorporating dementia-friendly aspects across the campus to significantly improve the quality of life for residents and centre members living with dementia, providing them with a safer, more supportive, and engaging environment. We look forward to sharing more exciting details of the building and design which has incorporated specialist use for people living with mobility challenges and with dementia.
To find out more about the ways you can support this very special project, please do get in touch with our Director of Fundraising & Marketing, Ellisa Estrin at eestrin@jcare.org. To register for one of our hard hat tours of the campus in spring 2025, email info@jcare.org Visit Jewishcare.org/Redbridge for the latest photos and time-lapse film.
Around the world of Jewish Care
01 Sophie Spielman celebrated her 100th birthday with music, family and friends, together with our staff and volunteers at Brenner Stepney Jewish Community Centre.
02 Golfers joined our 46th Pro-Am Golf Tournament 2024, sponsored by Lockton, raising over £23,000 for Rela Goldhill at Otto Schiff care home.
03 The first cohort of MIKE youth leadership development programme in South Hertfordshire celebrated their graduation at our Sandringham care and community campus.
04 Robert Rinder MBE and Jeremy Brier KC treated guests to an entertaining evening organised by the Friends of Sidney Corob House Committee, raising over £10,000 for residents living with enduring mental illness.
05 Jewish Care Families welcomed 130 guests from 0–101 years old at the Intergenerational Teddy Bears Picnic at our Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus.
06 Veterans Jack Mann, Leslie Bernard, Monty Leib and Moishe Freeman laid wreaths at our care and community campuses on Remembrance Sunday.
07 Rita Tack celebrated her 100th birthday at Otto Schiff care home with family, friends and staff at the Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus.
08 Young Jami and Jewish Care (YJJC) supporters heard Joe Bellman reading his poetry at Head Room café and speaking about the importance of reaching out to others.
09 200 young professionals joined Young Jewish Care Property Networking Event for networking and a panel discussion with leading property professionals at Nobu.
10 12-year-old Betsy, whose uncle Malcolm is a resident at Stella & Harry Freedman House, climbed Mount Snowdon for her bat mitzvah to fundraise for Jewish Care.
11 TV presenter and writer Richard Madeley received a warm welcome from members of the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre at the Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus.
12 200 guests attended the Redbridge Sports Dinner with David Dein MBE in conversation with broadcaster Matt Lorenzo, raising £83,000 for our new care and community campus in Redbridge.
13 The Friends of Stella & Harry Freedman House hosted their annual Supper Quiz, keeping guests entertained with a trivia quiz to raise funds for the care home.
14 Befriendees and befrienders enjoyed teas for Befriending Week, including Henry, 94, and Brian, 83.
Celebrating the Jewish in Jewish Care
01. Older people in the community were delighted to receive a gift of honey cake with their Meals on Wheels this Rosh Hashanah, delivered by our dedicated volunteers.
02. Residents, members and tenants across our care homes and retirement living services celebrated Succot by shaking the lulav and etrog, including Doris at Kun Mor and George Kiss Home at The Betty & Asher Loftus Centre.
03. At Jami’s hub in Finchley, the members helped to decorate the Succah to prepare for Succot, and enjoyed getting together to socialise and enjoy a festive lunch over Yom Tov.
04. Denis Vandervelde was one of the residents to be honoured on Simchat Torah as Chatan Torah as part of our celebrations on Succot at The Betty and Asher
05. Members of the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre lit candles of remembrance at a memorial service for Kristallnacht, 9 November 2024.
06. Michelle and Jason Schwartz held a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony at Vi & John Rubens House care home to celebrate their simcha with Michelle’s mum, Loretta, who is living with dementia and was unable to attend the wedding in August. Michelle says, “Everyone wished Mum mazel tov and she smiled the whole time. It’s such a precious memory for us, and the staff were amazing in helping to make it happen.”
07. Residents, tenants and members light candles to celebrate Chanukah across Jewish Care and Jami’s services.
Loftus Centre.
Welcome to
We are delighted to welcome Nicole Ashton as the Chair of YJJC – the Young Jami Jewish Care Committee (YJJC). Nicole, 29, is married and is the Deputy Headteacher at Haberdashers’ Boys’ Prep School. Careline asks her three key questions about her plans for the year.
WHAT WILL THE COMMITTEE BE FOCUSED ON THIS YEAR?
We are trying to make sure that younger supporters feel equally involved, so we are organising smaller and more intimate events specifically for Young Patrons and Friends. This year, we will also be primarily focused on fundraising for Jami’s mental health services. One thing I really love about Jami is their Head Room social enterprise café in Golders Green. You can go in and anonymously sponsor a coffee or meal. It does not feel like you are giving to charity when you are there, but you are. I love knowing that there is always someone or somewhere for our community to turn to.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TAKE ON THE ROLE?
I have been attending Young Jewish Care dinners since 2018 and I joined the YJC Dinner Committee in 2019. I gave a speech at the dinner in 2020 and shortly after, I became Chair of the YJC Dinner Committee. I also began telephone befriending for Jewish Care just after lockdown. Through all of this and seeing the way Jewish Care and Jami transform the lives of people in our community, I really wanted to make a difference and ensure that people feel as strongly as I do about giving to charity – not just giving their money, but their time too. I believe that charity starts at home, and we need more people to become involved. I also believe that the more you give of yourself, the more you get back. I find volunteering to be an incredibly rewarding experience and want to share that with others.
IF THERE IS ONE THING YOU’D LIKE READERS TO KNOW ABOUT JEWISH CARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would love for more people to know about the ways that Jewish Care changes people’s lives. When I see the smiles and love on the faces of the people Jewish Care supports and cares for, you can see that it has a profound impact and creates long-lasting memories. Jewish Care is there for people in their time of need. I also think it’s important to understand that no one is more than two degrees away from knowing someone who needs adult social care or will need it at some point in their lives. More than ever before, it’s clear to see how vital it is for our generation to support Jewish Care, so that the charity can continue to be there for the Jewish community, now and in the future.
“I BELIEVE THAT CHARITY STARTS AT HOME, AND WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO BECOME INVOLVED.”
To find out more about how to get involved with YJJC, please contact Lilly on 020 8922 2813 or email lilly.elleswei@jcare.org
Our award-winning care and support
We were proud winners at the Employer Brand Management Awards, Europe for our Love: Everyday recruitment campaign and website, sharing the message of how special it is to work at Jewish Care.
Our Director of People, Olukemi Jeboda and Scott Bateman from our HR Team, accepted Gold for Best Employer Brand Management in Charity, NGO & NGP Sector, and Silver in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sector, on our behalf.
CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown, says, “I am extremely proud to see Jewish Care championed across the wider social care sector nationwide, and in our community, as a beacon of excellence. I’d like to congratulate our staff and volunteers. The awards celebrate their dedication, care and compassion, always striving and finding innovative ways to use their expertise to provide excellent care to all those we support.”
Jewish Care was Highly Commended in two categories, at the Palliative Care Awards, recognising our expertise in end of life care, led by Paula Plaskow. The End of Life Care Team has also been shortlisted as a finalist in the Caring UK Awards. Judges of the Palliative Care Awards commended our family carers colleagues in providing specialist bereavement support whilst pastoral volunteers were commended in the Outstanding Volunteers category, for the empathetic support given to those we care for at end of life, and their relatives, in our care homes.
Senior Housing Manager, Horace Boston has been
Meet our new Directors
Rita brings a wealth of global expertise having spent two decades as a registered nurse and senior executive within the health and social care sector across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Israel. At Jewish Care Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, Rita was responsible for the clinical and quality management of care homes, disability day care centres and specialist disability support services.
“I am excited to join the team at Jewish Care,” says Rita. “Contributing
shortlisted as a finalist as the Retirement Living Care Employee of the Year at the Caring UK Awards. Finally, we congratulate our six winning volunteers, at the JVN Awards 2024, Dinny Charkham, Judy and David Gottler, Ella Havas, Gloria Morgan, Maureen Valins, and volunteers at Jami’s Head Room café.
Jewish Care appoints Rita Rousso as the new Director of Care & Housing Services and Rob Train as Commercial Director.
to an organisation that directly enhances the wellbeing of the Jewish community is truly inspiring and meaningful to me.”
Rob Train, who has been appointed as Commercial Director, joined Jewish Care in January 2023 as Head of Commercial Finance. A chartered accountant, Rob has 18 years of experience in the commercial sector, including working at Burberry, Itsu and Hotel Chocolat.
Rob says, “I am so pleased to have the opportunity to work in this new capacity with colleagues across the organisation to continue to enhance efficiencies at Jewish Care.”
CEO, Daniel Carmel-Brown, adds, “Rob’s dedicated commercial voice at Executive level will help us to become more financially sustainable as an organisation. He has already made
a big impact, driving our care home efficiency project, making significant savings by reducing our use of agency staff. This will be key to our success in continuing to provide a high quality of care to meet the changing needs of the Jewish community, at the same time as the costs of providing care are increasing.’’
“We are delighted to welcome Rita, who brings extensive experience and vital clinical skills, which will enhance the already excellent team we have at Jewish Care. We extend huge thanks to Rachel Jones, who has just stepped down as our Director of Care & Housing Services, before she moves to Australia with her family in the new year. We wish her the very best of luck and thank her for all her hard work and commitment during her time at Jewish Care.
LEILA’S LEAP for residents
We are so proud of Leilah Farah, one of Jewish Care’s Relief Activities Coordinators, who jumped from a plane at over 13,000 feet to skydive, raising £2,500 for activities for residents at Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff care home and Rela Goldhill care home in September.
Leila says, “I was a little bit scared and worried before I jumped but then, after a big shock, I started enjoying the view and it was amazing. I’m happy I fundraised for our residents to enjoy these activities and at the same time did this for the first time.”
“Everyone’s support really means the world to me and every contribution brought us closer to making a meaningful impact to help fund intergenerational and special activities for the residents.”
Kemi Ariba, Registered Care Home Manager at Otto Schiff care home, adds, “We are very proud of Leila and thankful to all the donors. Leila was very excited to do the jump, and she is now an Otto Schiff care home celebrity. Doing this jump showed bravery and determination after many cancellations and the funds raised will support residents’ activities. Go Leila, go Otto Schiff and go Jewish Care!”
Danuta Krysiak, Social Care Coordinator at Otto Schiff care home, who has worked for Jewish Care for 25 years and works with Leila, adds, “Leila is amazing with residents and her skydive has generated a lot of excitement. among residents, relatives, staff, volunteers and friends, and the big Jewish Care family. We are very grateful to every donor, to
David Lerner, who drove us all the way to Hinton Airfield, and most of all to Leila, for her brave and generous act.”
Life President, Lord Levy, invited Leila and Danuta to a special reception at the House of Lords to show our appreciation.
Taking part in a challenge is a great way to stretch your limits and do something completely out of the ordinary whilst raising funds to support those we care for across our services. From jumping out of a plane or running a distance, don’t let anything be an obstacle. Contact us on events@ jcare.org or 020 8922 2806.
Jewish Care celebrates inspiring volunteers
We celebrated the incredible contribution made by some of the 3,000 dedicated volunteers who support Jewish Care. Our new Chair, Marcus Sperber, presented awards to volunteers across the generations at The Betty and Aubrey Lynes Volunteer Awards, thanking all our amazing volunteers for their dedication and commitment. The evening was compèred by TV and radio scriptwriter, Ivor Baddiel in the Wohl Synagogue at Jewish Care’s Betty and Asher Loftus Centre.
01 & 02. Best Newcomer Lily Sherling, Andrew Simons 03. CEO Award Jon Gershinson 04. Contribution to Operational Services Jane Rosenbaum
Contribution to Operational Services Muriel Mizrahi 06. Couldn’t do it without you Adam Selwyn 07. Distinctively Jewish Mervyn Beth
Innovative and Creative project Janice Field 09. Innovative and Creative project Piaf’s Garden allotment at Sandringham 10. Sonia Douek Award Pam Tomback 11. Outstanding Fundraiser Patsy Bloom 12-16. Patron Awards Aviva Wilford, Mark Summerfield, Sally Caplan, Monique Cadji and Shoshanah Hoffman 17. Team of the Year Jami Head Room café team 18. Making a difference Tom Mc Nair 19. Unsung Hero Troy Tate 20. Young Volunteer Freddie Spiller 21. Unsung Hero Dave Richman 22. Young Volunteer Group Evie Rosen and Meir Field
Inspired by Women of Distinction
150 guests gathered at St John’s Wood Synagogue for the Woman of Distinction Awards, raising over £75,000 for Sidney Corob House residential care home for people who are living with enduring mental illness.
Gerry, who recently moved to the care home, shared experiences with guests at the lunch, saying, “Before I entered the home, I was in a dark place. Thankfully, I have found the
home to be my nirvana, finding a feeling of security, peace and a desire to further my life. The care that is given by the staff is exemplary. Your support will mean this fantastic organisation can carry on doing its remarkable work for people who need this incredible care and attention, now and in the future.”
Danielle Hess and Danielle Lipton, Co-Chairs of the Woman of Distinction Committee, said, “We want to thank Gerry for his openness and honesty, and Registered Manager, Sandra Saintus, and her inspiring team, who empower the residents and create a home with a sense of family, spirituality and community. We are also very proud to present the Woman
of Distinction Awards to celebrate the incredible contributions of two amazing women, Miss Joanna Franks FRCS and Reverend Hayley Ace.”
Miss Joanna Franks is a consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon who works at UCLH and was a Pan London Breast Hub Co-ordinator during the regional response to COVID-19. Reverend Hayley Ace, ordained minister in the Christian church, was presented with the Honorary Woman of Distinction Award 2024 by committee member, Jenifer Rosenberg OBE in recognition of her dedication to combating antisemitism and her solidarity with the Jewish community.
Speaking after the event, Ellisa Estrin, Director of Fundraising & Marketing, added, “I’d like to congratulate the inspiring award winners. We are so grateful to our CoChairs and to the Committee for their hard work and commitment in making this such a special and successful event, as well as to all of our guests for their generous support, ensuring we can continue to transform the lives of those we care for and support at Sidney Corob House care home.”
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of liberation with Generation 2 Generation
Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre and Holocaust education charity, Generation 2 Generation (G2G), which was established to empower descendants of Holocaust survivors to present their family histories to a wide variety of audiences, will hold a ceremony on 19 January to commemorate 80 years since the liberation of AuschwitzBirkenau Concentration Camp on January 27, 1945.
Holocaust Survivors’ Centre member Renee Salt will give a reading from her book, A Mother’s Promise, Renee’s personal account of her traumatic experience of survival at Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp.
“I am a witness to history. I am a survivor,” says Renee. “This is my attempt to make sense of a story which I can scarcely believe happened to me.”
Jacqueline Luck, one of the many children and grandchildren involved with Generation 2 Generation, will tell the story of her late grandmother, Auschwitz survivor Lela Black. She is a strong advocate of Holocaust education for G2G. Jacqueline says, “Ever since finding a very old photo of Grandma Lela as a young woman, next to a child I did not recognise, I have felt compelled to learn more about what happened to my family during the Holocaust. I feel a great sense of responsibility to share my grandmother’s story with others and believe it is essential to bring these survivors’ stories to life.”
Musicians will play a piece taken from an original score by Jewish German composer Heinz Lewin, the late great grandfather of Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence. which was played and performed at a concert in the Septfonds internment camp in France, weeks before he was transported to Auschwitz and perished.
Survivor Isa Brysch, whose late husband was liberated from Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp by the Russian Army, will read poetry before a candle-lighting ceremony.
Jewish Care’s CEO, Daniel Carmel-Brown, says, “It is so important to us to work with Generation 2 Generation, who support the next generation to retell personal histories of their families. Eighty years after the liberation of Auschwitz, the numbers of Holocaust survivors who are able to share first-hand testimony is decreasing, so it is even more vital for us to support them to share their experiences and to
preserve the memory of those who perished, so that their voices continue to be heard in our communities. It is our responsibility to support them to continue to share their legacy, spreading a message of tolerance, respect and love for others in our society, now and in the future.”
Anita Peleg, Director of Generation 2 Generation, says, “We believe that descendants of victims of the Holocaust have an important role to play in Holocaust education. This ceremony, in partnership with Jewish Care will support Holocaust survivors and survivor descendants to retell personal histories of their families. It is a vital way to engage young audiences and challenge discrimination and racism in all its forms.”
FIND OUT MORE
If you would like to find out more about the ceremony, which will take place on Sunday 19 January, please scan the QR code, email office@generation2generation.org.uk or contact the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre on 020 8202 9844.
A Night at the Opera
At a magical evening at the Royal Opera House, Dame Gail Ronson DBE together with Sir Lloyd Dorfman CVO CBE, kindly hosted our Annual Legacy Event to thank legacy pledgers, supporters and friends for their commitment.
Dame Gail, who is Jewish Care’s Honorary President and Royal Opera House Honorary Trustee, and Sir Lloyd, Chairman of the Royal Opera House, have been dedicated supporters of Jewish Care for many years. They spoke warmly and inspiringly, expressing their passion for both Jewish Care and the Royal Opera House.
Our new Chair, Marcus Sperber, and Trustee, Leah Hurst, spent the evening chatting with guests, celebrating the connection and generosity of our supporters to Jewish Care over the years.
Speaking on the evening, Marcus said, “Never has it been more important for us to come together and shine our light, to make a difference in any way we can, to support our community and to ensure our Jewish values and our Jewish traditions are upheld, cherished and supported for future generations – that will be all of our legacies.”
A generosity of spirit that lives on
“
Mavis James (z’l) was proud, independent and an inspiration to us. She liked everything to be in order and she told us some years ago that she had decided to include a legacy to Jewish Care in her Will,” explains her nephew, Jonathan Joseph.
“A unique person, my aunt trod lightly on this earth. We had a close connection, and she asked for very little from others. Her decision to leave behind an incredible legacy with this gift in her Will speaks volumes about her, and the values she believed were important. Mavis did not imagine she would need to rely on others for her care in the final stages of her life. However, she was content when she moved to Anita Dorfman House care home at Sandringham, during the final 18 months of her life, before she passed away at the age of 96.”
to Sussex with her mother during World War II. After the war, they moved to South Africa where she was close to her brother’s family. Mavis left Johannesburg in the 1950s and then returned to London, working for the Women’s Royal Voluntary Services (WRVS) and, later, in retail and communications, as one of the last switchboard operators.
“HER DECISION TO LEAVE BEHIND AN INCREDIBLE LEGACY WITH THIS GIFT IN HER WILL SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT HER, AND THE VALUES SHE BELIEVED WERE IMPORTANT.”
Jonathan continues, “I was grateful for the extra time I had to spend with her whilst she was a resident at the care home. The carers provide outstanding care. I think Jewish Care should be very proud of itself, of the dignity with which people are treated, of the quality of the care and the generosity of spirit, which is invaluable.”
Previously, Mavis lived a modest life in Queensway, travelling around on public transport until she was 90 years old. Born on 18 July 1926, Mavis grew up in Willesden and was evacuated
Over 25 years ago, Mavis connected with the Jewish Blind Society, spending time at one of their homes supporting refugees who were residents there. She was their close friend and supporter. When the Jewish Blind Society became part of Jewish Care, she informed us that she would leave a legacy in her Will.
Sarit Simon, Jewish Care’s Legacy & Giving in Memory Lead, says, “Mavis James z’l was incredible in her lifetime and beyond. She planned for the future and had greater peace of mind knowing that her family were aware of her wishes.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mavis for her kindness in choosing to leave a gift to Jewish Care in her Will. In this way she continues to ensure that our vital services will be there for others in the future.”
FIND OUT MORE
To find out more about our Free Wills Service and Legacies, please visit our Future Giving page at jewishcare.org/futuregiving, contact Sarit on 020 8922 2819 or email legacyteam@jcare.org
Understanding Our Reactions to 7 October
The 7 October attacks, the consequential rise in antisemitism and the ongoing war in the region have all had an undeniable impact on the mental health and stress levels of those in the Jewish community. Jami, the Jewish community’s mental health service, now part of Jewish Care, developed a range of resources to help people make sense of their feelings and reactions.
Jami’s series of short videos, featuring Philippa Car, Jami’s Senior Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention Manager, in conversation with Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Stuart Linke, acknowledge the distress caused by these events, how people might experience this impact at a psychological level, how they can recognise and manage their distress, and ongoing signposting for mental health needs. There is also an accompanying downloadable information booklet, Understanding Our Reactions to Conflict in the Middle East and Antisemitism, which contains practical tips and advice to help people deal with stress and suggests ways to stay connected with others.
workshops to communities and organisations that were delivered by Philippa Carr and Dr Linke, as part of an initial response to the outpouring of shock and anxiety following the 7 October attacks. One participant, who attended a workshop, said, “It made me understand that my reaction to events is normal,” while another felt the workshop had helped them to “better process my feelings”.
“The Jewish community has faced deep psychological challenge since 7 October, which has been ongoing.”
Philippa says, “The Jewish community has faced deep psychological challenge since 7 October, which has been ongoing. The workshops we delivered as a response to the community’s initial grief and shock now have a legacy with the production of these resources. The climate of antisemitism that continues to bring discomfort and fear to many is a major challenge to mental health. We hope the resources will support the community and help with the ongoing stress and anxiety.”
These online resources, available at jamiuk.org/ understand-our-reactions, aim to encourage continued use and longer-term support for the Jewish community. The resources follow a series of psycho-educational
The development of these resources, which have been funded and supported by the Mayor of London, follows the engagement of London’s public mental health partnership, Thrive LDN, with communities who have been affected and impacted by the conflict. The London Jewish Forum and London Jewish Health Partnership have supported the development and creation of the booklet and the accompanying films.
Support
If your mental health has been affected by the situation and you, or someone you know, would like some support, please visit jamiuk.org or call 020 8458 2223
Jami’s Dangoor Children and Young Person’s Service is expanding
Jami’s Children and Young Person’s (CYP) service will become the Dangoor Children and Young Person’s service following a generous donation from the Dangoor family.
“This new funding from the Dangoor family will enable us to expand the support we are able to offer children and young people living with mental health difficulties, and their families,” says Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO.
“At a time when about one in five children and young people has a probable mental health disorder and the country’s mental health services are extremely underresourced, it is more important than ever that we can provide this service to as many secondary-school-aged children as possible in our community. We are extremely grateful to the Dangoor family for their generosity, which will enable us to expand the existing service in the community through referrals, and help to make a huge difference to more young people’s lives.”
The service currently provides ongoing tailored oneto-one support to young people in the community, and those attending JCoSS and JFS. Maneesha Pathmarajah, Senior Mental Health CYP, Carer & Family Services Manager,
says, “These one-to-one sessions are very client centred. Members of the team discuss and agree on goals to work on with the young person – for example, coping strategies to manage anxiety and depression, routines, healthy eating and improving self-esteem.”
Thirteen-year-old Amy currently benefits from support in her fortnightly sessions with Ciara*, who finds different ways to help Amy manage her anxiety, including breathing exercises and distraction techniques. They have also been looking at establishing a better bedtime routine for Amy as sleep hygiene impacts mood and energy levels. Amy believes the sessions are really helping her and have made a noticeable improvement in how she feels. “I am more confident and have more trust in people now,” she says. “The support from Jami really means a lot.”
*Names have been changed to protect identity.
Turn your celebration into a Mitzvah for Jewish Care
60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Marion & David Cohen
Hazel & Alan Finn
Gillian & Leonard Gold
Anne & Rabbi Henry Goldstein
Naomi & Jeffrey Greenwood
Judy & Anthony Krais
Sheila & Alan Langley
Arlene & Antony Polonsky
Barbara & Stuart Ruben
Anna & Stanley Russell
Sally & John Simon
Josie & Raymond Symons
50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Judith & Michael Hymans
Barbara & David Morgan
Avril & Ralph Sassen
40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Ronnie & Eddy Mann
30TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Ruthie & Elliot Renton
25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Leah & Adam Hurst
Barbara & Ivan Shapero
20TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Jane & Godfrey Mellins
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Barbara & Salvator Gabay
2ND BAR MITZVAH
Harry Hurst
BAT MITZVAH
Kate Leach
Evie Yershon
BIRTHDAY
Wishing our Life President, Lord Levy, a very happy 80th Birthday
Lydia Assor
Arlene Beare
Sharon Berg
Warren Berliner
Sandra Bernstone
Frances Bookatz
Ruth Breckman
Isa Brysh
Margery Cohen
Janet Coleman
Alan Cooper
Valerie Cooper
Sandra Crooke
David de Haas
Judy de Haas
Mauricio Dessauer
Anthony Dinkin
Gerry Dunn MBE
Penny Faust
Adam Feather
Peter Feller
Gill Fenner OBE
Alex Fleischmann
David Fobel
Harold Frankel
Lady Helen Furman
Brian Geminder
Martin Glass
Henry Goldenberg
Monty Goldstein
Marcia Green
Jennifer Hillman
Phillip Horesh
Leslie Jacobs
Shimon Kass
Kate Leach
Peter Leach
Shirley Lee
Sandy Lester
Marguerite Lieberman
Sandra Lipton
Lord Ian Livingston
Ivan Lopatkin
Carol Lubliner
Eddy Mann
Michael Melzack
Izzy Miller
Muriel Mizrahi
David Morein
Gerry Moss
Rena Mussaffi
Simon Raperport
Howard Richenberg
Angela Ries
Michael Ross
Pamela Samuel
Clive Schaller
Irving Silverstone
Danielle Simonson
Susan Sperber-Kosky
Anthony Spitz
Jack Stein
David Strubel
Rita Tack
Martin Taylor
Johnny Woolfman
IN THANKS
Smilynne Joukovski
Rabbi Steven Katz
Celebrate with Jewish Care donations are a vital source of funds for the services we offer the community. In this way we raise over £80,000 per year. Please think about asking people to donate to Jewish Care to mark your happy occasion.
For more information call the Celebrate with Jewish Care Team on 020 8922 2600 or email celebrate@jcare.org
A day in the life in the south
Jodie Sacks, one of our Senior Community Social Worker and Community Outreach Coordinators, is based in Brighton. Her work involves supporting communities from the coast and across the south east. Jodie describes a typical day in her work to enable people and their carers to lead meaningful lives.
“I usually work from the Brighton & Hove Jewish Community Centre (BNJC), as I like to be part of the community and enjoy the buzz. This morning, I responded to an email from a local authority social worker in connection with a client we are advocating for, who has expressed that she would like to move to a Jewish Care home.
people live independently at home. It’s lovely to see everyone laughing, interacting and enjoying the delicious coffee and cake, kindly provided by the Brighton & Hove Jewish Welfare Board. I let people know about services we provide, including JC Presents, with everything from chair yoga to current affairs.
I checked in with another client, recently discharged from hospital, to see how they’re getting on. I worked closely with the hospital team and therapists to ensure the care and support needed was in place for them at home before they were discharged. I spend time getting to know each client to understand the current support they have and explore what they can do for themselves, and the tasks they find more difficult and need more support with.
I enjoy popping downstairs to join the Chatty Café run by Helping Hands, which provides care and support to help
After lunch, I met another client and together we looked at the different local organisations and services that could be useful. I am supporting her with a referral to Jami’s mental health services, some local support groups, and a GP appointment. We talked to Helping Hands to discuss some voluntary work, and I made a note to keep in touch and follow up with her.
I caught up on paperwork, including an assessment for a lady who is considering some respite at a care home. I received a lovely email from a client, thanking me for my support. My work can be incredibly varied, which I love, and each day is so different.”
Jodie’s role, along with other Jewish Care initiatives in the Brighton and Hove community, is generously funded by The Bloom Foundation.
Mike’s on a music mission
Volunteer Michael Stein has been running live Serenata concerts for care home residents at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre for the past eight years. As many of the residents are unable to attend public performances, the concerts are one of the ways that Jewish Care provides enriching opportunities for residents across the three care homes to experience live music. So far, there have been an impressive 40 concerts, taking place every couple of months.
Michael is one of the team at the New North London Synagogue who has been organising successful Intermezzo concerts for over ten years.
He says, “While regularly visiting a resident at the former Lady Sarah Cohen House care home, now Stella & Harry Freedman House, I had the idea to start up a similar series of concerts here. Thus, the Serenata concerts
were born. The concerts are one hour, and the music is mostly classical, featuring talented young pianists, violinists, cellists, piano trios and string quartets, with occasional opera, Klezmer and jazz performances.”
To pay for the musicians, Michael organises an annual fundraising concert at the New North London Synagogue. The next concert, on Sunday 12 January, features the outstanding Leonore Piano Trio playing music by Haydn, Dvorak and Beethoven. Tickets are available on the
Jewish Care website and all proceeds will go towards the Serenata concerts as well as funding music therapy for residents living with dementia. Michael adds, “I would now dearly like to find a younger person to work with on these activities. I am looking for someone with passion as well as a good knowledge of the classical repertoire. So, if you are that person, please get in touch. You will find it very fulfilling as these concerts are not just about music—they are about creating lasting memories and enriching the lives of the residents.”
Book your tickets at jewishcare.org/events and contact us at info@jcare.org to support Michael’s fundraising concerts.
Ask us a question
Jewish Care’s free confidential helpline provides advice and information about support on offer either from Jewish Care or other local service providers. Call 020 8922 2222, email helpline@jcare.org or visit jewishcare.org
Q: I am 85 and I’m quite independent in my own home. I am worried about the rising cost of heating bills in this cold weather so I’m trying to only put the heating on when I really need to. Do you have any advice on staying warm?
A: The cost of living is a real concern for many of us and as we age, the cold affects us more. But there are extra things you can do to help you to stay warm and to support your health and wellbeing this winter. You may have heard about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment. Until this year, everyone above State Pension age was entitled to the payment regardless of their circumstances, but now you need to claim Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit e.g. Universal Credit or tax credits, to get the winter 2024/25 payment. You may also be eligible for assistance from other Government schemes such as Cold Weather Payments or the Warm Home Discount, to help with heating costs.
Energy companies are offering support directly to customers who are struggling to pay their bills, and I recommend that you contact them directly if this is the case. They are obligated to provide access to any hardship funds, charitable grants, or assist you in applying for any government grants, as above, that haven’t been automatically applied.
Wearing several layers of clothing to retain body heat reduces the reliance on heating. The same is true for insulating your home, including using draught excluders on doors and windows, thicker curtains, and rugs to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency, although be mindful of the trip-risk associated with rugs. You may also wish to consider heating key rooms rather than the whole house and using blankets and hot water bottles. Despite these measures, however, it is recommended that your home’s temperature be at 18°C (65°F) or higher.
Finally, it’s important to have your yearly flu jab which is free for over 65s, order repeat prescriptions for any medications you need, and keep a list of important telephone numbers by your phone for emergencies. You can visit jewishcare.org to find out more about services we run near you. Or contact us if you would like any more information, including advice on applying for Pension Credit.
Q: I’m worried about my mother who is becoming increasingly frail and lives on her own. She has some help at home but she is feeling isolated and also struggles with making meals. Can you tell me more about moving to somewhere with more support? We are thinking of a Retirement Living apartment or a care home. I’d also like to find out more about the costs, as I’m worried about affordability. Is there any advice you can give me?
A: Every individual’s needs are different, and we are here to help you work out what options are best for you and your mother. It could be that our Meals on Wheels service would help your mother with meals, and our befriending service may be able to help with any feelings of isolation or loneliness. Please call our Jewish Care Direct helpline to have a chat with them about these services. In terms of looking at where to live, the Living with Jewish Care team has plenty of experience and can talk to you and your mother about the different kinds of options that are available, including retirement living, assisted living and care homes. They’ll also be able to tell you more about levels of support available, answer your questions and talk about the costs involved.
You can also visit our virtual tours online to view our care homes and read our guide which explains the different types of funding available. There is also a key facts document about our Retirement Living apartments that gives you a lot of information. We want to help you to find the best solution for you. For more information, please contact the Living with Jewish Care team at lwjc@jcare.org or call 020 8922 2321.
Q: My dad received a dementia diagnosis some months ago and he has been living on his own for the last five years since my mum passed away. As his main carer, I want to do all that I can to support him so that he can live well with dementia. Please can you advise me on things like benefits that we might be eligible for? I’d also like to find out more about services that are available for him in the community.
A: I’m pleased that you have reached out as there is a lot of support and a range of services available in the community for people living with dementia and their unpaid family carers.
I recommend you contact our Jewish Care Direct helpline advisors who may refer you to our Social Work and
Q: I have been living with a life-limiting illness for many years, which has progressed. Would one of your care homes be able to manage my palliative and end-of-life needs?
A: Our residential and nursing care homes do offer palliative/endof-life care, but which home will be most suitable will depend upon your specific care needs, and we will do our best to support and advise you by gathering appropriate medical and care information, with your consent. It is so important that you make your choices and preferences known by creating an Advance Care Plan (ACP) to outline the things that matter the most to you, such as appointing Lasting Powers of Attorney (for Health & Welfare and Property & Affairs decisions) with people you trust to make decisions you have made, including matters such as resuscitation and funeral planning. By having an Advance Care Plan conversation as early as possible, you will ensure that those closest to you, and those who care for you, will have a clear understanding and be better equipped to support and care for you should you become unable to voice your choices and preferences yourself. For a more personal conversation, please contact our Jewish Care Direct helpline on 020 8922 2222 or email helpline@jcare.org
Community Support Team to look at suitable support services for your dad. This could include visiting one of Jewish Care’s specialist dementia day centres, for example, where people living with dementia socialise and enjoy stimulating activities in a nurturing person-centred environment, supported by experienced staff. Our Memory Way Cafés provide a warm and friendly environment for people living with dementia and their family carers, including reminiscence and an opportunity to meet others in similar situations. Our Family Carers team offers one-to-one emotional support and advice, including a newsletter for Family Carers. They can also help you to compile an emergency care plan, as well as providing a dedicated dementia carers’ support group. In addition, they could support you with requesting a carers assessment from your local authority, as you may be offered respite. Our Benefits team volunteers may also be able to provide a benefits check and assistance to apply for any benefits you may be entitled to.
IF YOU NEED GUIDANCE, SUPPORT OR INFORMATION WITH A HUMAN FACE
Our Helpline can help you find the answers to the most challenging problems. We can tell you about our services: care homes, community centres, support for people living with dementia and their families or online events and activities. And if we can’t help you ourselves, we’ll help you find someone who can.
So if you need advice with a human face, call 020 8922 2222, email helpline@jcare.org or visit jewishcare.org
CAMPUSES
s The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre, Friern Barnet
SERVICES ON SITE INCLUDE: Kun Mor and George Kiss Home, Stella & Harry Freedman House and Rosetrees care homes, The Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia and Connect@Friern Barnet
s Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus, Golders Green
SERVICES ON SITE INCLUDE:
Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, Jewish Care Explore, Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre, Otto Schiff, Selig Court and Amélie House
s Sandringham, Stanmore/ Hertfordshire
SERVICES ON SITE INCLUDE:
Anita Dorfman House, Wolfson Assisted Living, Pears Court, Jewish Care Explore, The Ronson Family Community Centre and The Zalman and Ruchi Noé Centre for people living with dementia
CARE HOMES
Offering high-quality residential, nursing, dementia, mental health and end of life care in an environment that promotes meaningful lives.
s Anita Dorfman House, Sandringham, Stanmore/Hertfordshire, residential, dementia and nursing care
s Jack Gardner House, Golders Green, residential and mental health care
s Kun Mor and George Kiss Home, Friern Barnet, residential and dementia care
s Otto Schiff, Golders Green, residential and dementia care
s Rosetrees, Friern Barnet, residential and dementia care
s Sidney Corob House, West Hampstead, residential and mental health care
s Stella & Harry Freedman House, Friern Barnet, residential, dementia and nursing care
s Sunridge Court, Golders Green, residential care
s Vi & John Rubens House, Ilford, residential, dementia and nursing care
s Wolfson Assisted Living, Sandringham, Stanmore/ Hertfordshire, residential care
A guide to what we do
RETIREMENT LIVING
Offering independent living within a supportive setting.
s Pears Court, Sandringham Stanmore/ Hertfordshire
s Wohl Court, Hendon
s Selig Court, Golders Green
s Shebson Lodge, Southend
CARE HOME RELATIVE SUPPORT GROUPS
s Vi & John Rubens House Relatives & Friends Support Group, online, email taward@jcare.org
CENTRES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Provide stimulation and therapeutic activities in a safe and fun environment.
s The Dennis Centre, Ilford
s The Zalman and Ruchi Noé Centre, Sandringham, Stanmore/Hertfordshire
s The Sam Beckman Centre, Friern Barnet
COMMUNITY CENTRES
Our community centres provide stimulating social and leisure activities and delicious meals.
s The Brenner Stepney Jewish Community Centre
s Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre, Golders Green
s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre, currently located at Woodford Forest United Synagogue
s Southend and Westcliff Jewish Community Centre
s The Ronson Family Community Centre, Sandringham, Stanmore/Hertfordshire
CONNECT@ CENTRES
Offering a choice of cultural, social and leisure pursuits for the young at heart.
s Connect@Friern Barnet
s Connect@Kenton
s Connect@Stamford Hill*
HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS’ AND REFUGEE SERVICES
The Holocaust Survivors’ Centre is a place for survivors to meet, with specially designed activities. Shalvata provides for the therapeutic needs of survivors and their families.
s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, Golders Green, within the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre
s Shalvata, Golders Green, within the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre
s Tea parties for Holocaust Survivors in volunteers’ homes
s Monthly support sessions, Redbridge
JC PRESENTS
Online programme of activities and events with a wide range of stimulating virtual activities and events including speakers, discussion and exercise. To find out more, email jcpresents@jcare.org
SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICE
Supporting individuals, families, family carers and communities. Enabling people to make a meaningful difference to their lives, with dignity and choice, by planning for the care, support, or services you need, advocating for you with local authorities, navigating dementia and end of life care, and signposting you to other helpful services.
MEALS-ON-WHEELS
We offer a wide variety of Kosher and nutritious meals delivered to your door by our friendly volunteers. Service available in Redbridge, Southend, Stamford Hill and across NW London. For more details, contact us at mealsonwheels@jcare.org
BEFRIENDING
Companionship and friendship in person or on the phone to relieve loneliness and isolation across London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
DIGITAL SERVICES
JEWISH CARE EXPLORE
Offers digital skills for everyday life and support with technology for all adults within the Jewish community and on assistive technology for a disability or medical condition (subject to assessment).
s Maurice & Vivienne Wohl Campus, Golders Green
s The Ronson Family Community Centre, Sandringham, Stanmore/Hertfordshire
For more information, contact explore@jcare.org or 020 8922 2400.
*in association with Industrial Dwelling Society
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY GROUPS
Informal social groups to bring communities together, build friendships, in person and on Zoom. Call 020 8922 2273 or scjewishcare@jcare.org
s Chaps That Chat, monthly at Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre, contact ronit.bennooncarol@jcare.org
s Chaps that Chat, monthly social discussion group with speaker, Redbridge
s Chaps that Chat, weekly social discussion group on Zoom
s Chatty Café on Zoom weekly meet on Zoom for coffee and chat
s Chatty Café meet for coffee and chat at Rowans Cafe, Barkingside; Costa Coffee, Temple Fortune; Sababa, Borehamwood; Chabad Buckhurst Hill and The Garrison, Southend
s Community Cafés, informal social groups to build friendships at Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre and Sandringham
s Knit, Stitch and Natter, wellbeing group for beginners or experts, on Zoom
s Men’s Talk – Fortnightly discussion group for Redbridge men
s Men’s Talk – discussion groups in Stanmore, Borehamwood and Redbridge
s Tea Parties, Borehamwood, Essex, NE London, NW London, Middlesex and Hertfordshire
s Tea parties for Holocaust survivors in volunteers’ homes
s Revisit Revival, weekly Zoom discussion and quiz looking back over the years
s Ukulele Club, weekly, Redbridge Jewish Community Centre
s Women’s Hour, Borehamwood, monthly
SUPPORT AND SOCIAL GROUPS
CARER SUPPORT GROUPS
s Caring For You, online, second Thursday of each month, email caringforyou@jcare.org
s Dementia Carers Tea, for family carers supporting someone living with dementia, meet others in a similar situation within a supportive space, Friern Barnet and Stanmore/ Hertforsdshire, call 020 8922 2222 or email helpline@jcare.org
COMMUNITY DEMENTIA GROUPS
s Art for the Mind, Golders Green
s Elevenses, Golders Green
s Memory Way Café, Golders Green, Edgware, Stanmore/Hertfordshire, Kingston
s Movement for Memory, Golders Green
s Professional Gentleman’s Club, Golders Green
s Singing for Memory, Finchley,** St Albans, Southend, Stanmore/ Hertfordshire, Redbridge
SUPPORT GROUPS
Call 020 8922 2222 or email helpline@jcare.org
s JEMS, in partnership with JBD - Jewish Blind and Disabled. A social and support group for people living with Multiple Sclerosis and their carers.
s Parkinson’s Wellbeing Group, online, meet others at this supportive community group
SOCIAL GROUPS
s JCS for singles, Sandringham, Golders Green
s New Faces for people with visual impairment or physical disability, Edgware
s Sunday Socials, Redbridge
s Wednesday Night Social Club, Redbridge
s Parkinson’s Social Group, Golders Green
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS
s Peace of Mind @ Sandringham
A safe, friendly support group for those experiencing grief or bereavement of any kind. First Monday of every month. Contact 020 8418 2107 or oliver.danes@jcare.org
JEWISH BEREAVEMENT
COUNSELLING SERVICE (JBCS) support groups meet in Golders Green. For further information, contact JBCS on 020 8951 3881or email enquiries@jbcs.org.uk
s AfterShock, for young adults (18-30) who have lost a parent
s Bereaved Parents, for people bereaved of an adult child
s Butterflies, for mums and dads (of young children) who have lost a parent
s Stepping Stones, for people (40-60) who have lost a partner
s Stronger Together, for people (60+) who have lost a partner
JAMI MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Jami is here for when mental illness, distress and trauma makes everyday life a struggle. Expert support provided by people with lived experience. Jami guides young people and adults through their mental health recovery, supports families and carers, and educates community leaders. Contact Jami on 020 8458 2223 or visit jamiuk.org
ADULT ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT
Tailored support helping individuals to reach meaningful goals.
s Hubs, a safe space providing a programme of activities and group support in Finchley, Redbridge, Hackney and online
s Befriending, in-person/telephone befriending and hospital visiting from volunteers
s Carer and family support, group and one-to-one practical and emotional support for parents and siblings. We also offer a carers’ drop-in and specific carers’ groups for mums of adults, mums of people aged 11–25, carers of adults 25+, young adult siblings, and groups for those caring for someone with neurodiversity, addiction, an eating disorder, and intrusive thoughts/hearing voices, email carersfamilysupport@jamiuk.org
s Children and young people, in-school support at JCoSS and JFS for 11-25-year-olds
s Education, specialist training and consultation for community leaders including Mental Health First Aid Training
s Head Room, Jami’s social enterprise café providing free community programme and onsite befriending. Available to hire.
s One-to-one/group support, delivered by occupational therapists, social workers, mental health practitioners and peer support workers
s Talking Therapies, a non-judgemental, safe space
s Vocational support, help to access volunteering, training and maintain paid employment
When Don celebrated his 90th Birthday, he and his wife Louise were delighted to ask family and friends for donations to Jewish Care instead of gifts