Jewish News Charity & Healthcare Supplement 954

Jewish

9 June 2016

CHARITY & Healthcare

SUPPLEMENT

Heartfelt summer shopping Fundraisers of the future 13: The age for giving

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The Jewish News 9 June 2016

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CHARITY

The Young Ones

Charities have always counted on donations and legacies from older members of our community, but it is the fundraisers of the future on whom they will come to rely.

Deborah Cicurel met some of them Joey was inspired by his own family’s giving

WHEN JOEY BARNETT moved to Leeds for university, he had hardly any Jewish friends. He had grown up in Blackpool, gone to a Catholic school, and experienced problems with his religion while there. At Leeds, it was a different story. Surrounded by Jewish friends, Joey was inspired to continue the charitable acts he had grown up witnessing in his family – and, together with some pals, set up the Jewish fraternity AEPI. From 10 members in 2012, it now has more than 200 – and its main function is to fundraise for good causes.

“The fraternity is still going and raising

Joey Barnett set up a fundraising fraternity

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money every single year,” says Joey, 24. “It was just a group of 10 of us, and there are now 200 boys every year across 15 universities who meet up every week to come up with charitable fundraising ideas, be it a night out or a poker tournament.”

But it’s not just the money the fraternity raises of which Barnett is proud. “I’m proud we’re giving students the mentality that even when they leave university, charity is important,” he says. “They already have it drilled into them that it’s important to give back.”

Making friends, meeting soulmates or simply doing the right thing: there are many reasons why Jewish twenty-somethings are signing up to fundraise for charities in their hundreds.

Anyone with Facebook will know that every other week there’s another JustGiving page to visit, another fundraiser to share, another event to attend in honour of a good cause.

Socialising can be a huge draw for first-time fundraisers, whether they want to make new friends or are hoping to meet their beshert at a charity fun run.

“The social side of it is definitely important,” says Jonny Newman, 29. “A lot of active fundraisers tend to be northern, because they

move to London and don’t know anyone, and it is a great place to meet friends. Charity is a unifying factor – it’s a noble cause that brings people together. When I moved to London [from Leeds], I had every intention of joining a Jewish charity.”

But while socialising is all-important in the formative years after university, as Newman points out, there can be a disconnect between the widespread fundraising events for early twenty-somethings who are just moving to London, and the older, more glitzy evenings for people in their late thirties and onwards.

That’s why he was part of the group that started Magen David Adom Lifesavers – to attract people in their late twenties and early thirties to the charity.

“MDA is something apolitical and areligious –

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Andrew Freedman began visiting care homes after being part of Young Jewish Care committees

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9 June 2016 The Jewish News

MDA Lifesavers sought to target the important age group that gets overlooked in fundraising drives

it’s Israel’s national ambulance service, which relies primarily on donations,” Newman says.

“The importance of MDA cannot be overstated, which is why Lifesavers sought to target the important age group that can often be overlooked in fundraising drives.

“People in their late twenties and thirties have more money than those just out of university, are still interested in giving charitably, and often want to do more than simply attend glitzy

charity events, which are often more about mingling and flirting than listening to the speeches and digging deep into pockets – and with Lifesavers, they’re connected to the charity long after they’ve settled down with partners and kids.”

So what of those who have just left university? Hannah Myerson, 23, from Leeds, wanted to take her charity work even further after finishing her degree, so decided to work

full-time for World Jewish Relief as a trust fundraiser. “I wanted to do something that would motivate and fulfil me every day,” she says. “Of all positions in the organisation, I like this one the most because, as a fundraiser, you gain a very detailed insight into what the charity does and exactly where the money is going.”

As a full-time fundraiser, Hannah knows precisely the importance of people, both young and old, giving up their time to volunteer for worthy causes. “Committees and volunteers are invaluable,” she says. “They help open the doors to networks that have the potential to fund hugely important work.”

Jewish Care’s Daniel Carmel-Brown agrees that volunteers are the backbone of the charity world – and values the fact that busy professionals still find the time to put in hard work to raise money.

“We have some fantastic young people involved in volunteering and fundraising who are setting a great example to the younger generation by sharing their time and expertise,” he says.

“Although they have careers and busy lives, they see it as their responsibility to get involved, and understand that they are the future of our community.

“As the number of older people in our community is set to continue to increase, we know that demand for Jewish Care and our services will only grow, so we need the younger generation now more than ever.”

So what does becoming an active fundraiser actually involve? The good news is that even if you’re strapped for time, there’s always a way to be in the centre of the action, whether it’s one hour a week visiting an old age home, or a

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three-month burst of preparing for a marathon.

Andrew Freedman, 30, was inspired to start visiting Jewish Care homes after being involved on Young Jewish Care committees and wanting to see where all the funds go.

“Once a month, I and a few others go to different Jewish Care homes and day centres,” he says. “We go around and have a chat with the residents, help set up for tea parties or whatever particular activity is happening on that particular day. I’m probably most proud of leading two seders and seeing the obvious pleasure the residents had in taking part in them, singing familiar melodies.

“Socially, I’ve become good friends with a number of volunteers – all around my age,” he adds. “I think other young people should take time to volunteer to appreciate the needs of our community and contribute to the wellbeing of people, each of whom had a story to narrate.”

But although meeting friends and enjoying fundraising events is all part of the fun, as Barnett says, there is the real thrill of raising money – and he has personally raised more than £30,000 for various Jewish causes – and “doing the right thing”.

“In my opinion, at my age, it’s not about the money you give but the time you give,” he says. “Most 20-year-olds don’t have plenty of money, but they do have time. You could go to a committee meeting once a month, or help come up with innovative charity ideas for an hour or two a week.

“I want to make sure my generation stays passionate and helps those who are less fortunate. I believe the famous quote says: ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give’.”

otes

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The Jewish News 9 June 2016

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CHARITY

Hair-oic gestures Fiona Leckerman meets three women on the cutting-edge of charity

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Jewish woman’s hair may be her pride and frequently coiffed joy, but Dalya Wittenberg, Lisa Weisgard, Hayler Tiller and seven other women are about to sacrifice their manes for charity. Or rather to charity as their 12-inch plaited ponytails will be given to Zichron Menachem in Israel, which will transform the hair into wigs that will be worn by children with cancer.

The idea to make this deeply personal donation blossomed when Dalya accompanied her brother, Gaby Laifer – who is president of the organisation the Hebrew Order of David Lodge 4 – to Jerusalem to see the Zichron Menachem Centre.

The Lodge has supported the charity for 10 years, but it was only by seeing first-hand the work the charity does for the children that the siblings realised its importance. And that was when Gaby set his mind on organising an event.

“Every two years, Zichron brings children with cancer over from Israel to the UK and HOD gets involved in helping make their visit a once in a lifetime trip,” says Gaby.

“We put on an amazing fun day for the 150 kids,

which includes a half-day in an adventure park and then a massive fete with a BBQ, entertainment, music, gifts for the children and lots, lots more.”

Zichron Menachem was set up two decades ago by an Israeli family, who lost their 15-year-old son, Menachem Ehrental, to cancer.

Today, Zichron offers complete support to all Israeli citizens, independent of faith or gender, providing respite, educational, therapeutic and recreational therapies to children with cancer.

“One of the ways Zichron derives funding is through the donations made from hair cutting,”says Gaby, 40, a director of a global marketing agency and father of three from Edgware.

“The idea of donating hair and help to raise money seemed like a good one one.”

But first he had to find some volunteers who were willing to go for the chop and family was the obvious place to start.

“I’ll generally do anything my big brothers ask me to do,” admits Dalya, 36, herself a mother of three. “So when Gaby asked if I’d donate my hair, I said yes without hesitation.”

Dalya also recruited friends to make the same

generous donation. “Once they learnt more about what Zichron does and the positive impact hair donation has on young people undergoing cancer treatment, they all felt it was a modest sacrifice to make,” explains Dayla, who has raised £285 to date from her upcoming sheering scheduled for 10 July at The Foam Salon in Finchley.

Of course, the women have all been furiously growing their hair for the past year and ignoring calls from their confused hairdressers to be able to supply the 12-inch plaits.

“One wig is comprised of eight to 12 braids,” says Gaby, who was keen to enlist as many volunteers as possible and stresses that it’s not too late to take part. We use the hair to make wigs for children and adults in Israel and also here in the UK. In the past year in the UK, we have custom made four pieces. In Israel, we have supplied more than 1,300.”

Lisa Weisgard, 33, a primary school teacher and mother of three from Borehamwood has found the experience very rewarding.

“My mum died of cancer 10 years ago this year and this seemed a good time to do something like this. I know the charity does amazing work and I have raised £185 so far and I hope to double it

by July.”

Mum and picture editor Hayley Tiller is also hopeful about boosting the £545 she has raised before D-Day. “Cancer is all around us and everyone knows someone who has suffered or is having treatment,” she acknowledges. “I am hoping that by doing this project and seeing how much happiness it could bring a child who is sick, it will encourage other people to get involved.

“Life is so busy and hectic but it has made me stop and think of those who are going through such a difficult and emotional time, so this is the least I can do.”

All these women have made it very clear that by donating their hair, they will be providing it is more than just wigs. As Dalya affirms: “It is impossible not to be moved by the stories of children suffering from cancer and the impact of their hair loss caused by their treatment. I committed to participate in this initiative in the hope my hair donation – or just the knowledge that a group of women are making the commitment – would provide even a shred of comfort or help to those children and their families.”

Dalya Wittenberg and Lisa Weisgard

Hayley Tiller WITH A MONTH TO GO BEFORE THE BIG CHOP, THERE IS STILL TIME TO PARTICIPATE AND TO DONATE www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Dalya-Wittenberg2 www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Lisa-Weisgard www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Hayley-Tiller1 www.zichron.org

GET BAKING! If you live your life thinking ‘What Would Mary Berry do?’ then chances are you are already planning your cupcake toppings for JEWISH CARE’S GREAT JEWISH BAKE DAY on 6 July. Even if your culinary talents only stretch to cornflake crispies with the children, this annual event to raise vital funds for the charity is a reason to let them go wild with the hundreds and thousands in the kitchen.

To take part in or to organise a Bake Day sale at your home, workplace, school or synagogue, register online for fundraising pack at jewishcare.org/events/446-the-great-jewish-bake-day-2016.

You can also take part in the online Bake Day competition. All you need to do is send us a picture of your best baked creation on Facebook using the tag Jewish Care & #BakeDay or on Twitter (@ChavaCupcake & #BakeDay) or just email bakeday@jcare.org with your creation and it will uploaded to the competition gallery. The social media reaction will decide the top 10 creations which will go through to our judging panel who will score on creativity and presentation to decide the winner. The competition closes on 18 July 2016.

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9 June 2016 The Jewish News

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The power of love Volunteering is not just good for the person being helped, it is also beneficial for the volunteer, discovers Alex Galbinski

Lia Bogod, JVN’s head of volunteering

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everal weeks ago, renowned social justice advocate Alan Luks gave a lecture on the healing power of doing good. When we care for others, he said, we are also caring for ourselves.

Discussing the scientific studies which have proven that those who help others live longer, Luks referred to the “helper’s high�, the feel-good factor from volunteering, and said: “Volunteers are keeping society healthy.�

Luks was speaking at the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN), an infrastructure charity that is the link between prospective volunteers and around 300 charities. Its staff are therefore well placed to observe the benefits volunteers gain from helping others.

Lia Bogod, JVN’s head of volunteering, explains: “I would say, and many people would agree, that there’s more in it for the volunteer than

the beneficiary. Volunteering has been proven to be good for you and your health. “It gives people a structure in their week; it gives them a different network and the feeling that they are doing good for someone else.�

People volunteer for all sorts of reasons, Lia says; to make friends, to experience different work situations, to try out or learn a new skill, to be part of a community, because they feel they want to give something back, or to gain experience in a different situation, for example, if people are looking to make a career change. Indeed, Lia, who has worked for JVN for four years, herself made a career change through volunteering. “And all of that is fine – it doesn’t have to be 100 percent altruistic,� she acknowledges. “It’s a winwin situation. It’s good to get a benefit while doing good.�

People come to JVN because they know they want to volunteer, but they don’t necessarily know where to start, with regards to finding a charity or a volunteering opportunity. “Not everybody knows the breadth of the charities in the Jewish community – there are more than 2,000 Jewish charities!� laughs Lia. “While people know the big charities by name, when they come to us or look at our website, they see hundreds of volunteering opportunities and charities they have never heard of.�

Volunteering opportunities range from research to admin, marketing to social media, driving, and even for people who like to cook, in all manner of charities. There are also internships. “The variety is enormous,� Lia admits.

JVN also connects volunteers to non-Jewish charities – about 20 percent of charities on its website are not Jewish, including Advocacy In Barnet, Beanstalk, Three Faiths Forum, the Helen Bamber Foundation and the North London Hospice – and non-Jewish people volunteer with Jewish charities.

And, contrary to popular perception, it is not only those aged over 60 who volunteer – those of all ages are on JVN’s books. A total of 6,000 people have registered an interest in volunteering – although more women do than men (two-thirds are female). “It is usually a person who wants to be engaged with society,� says Lia, “but the variety is huge. Some people volunteer sporadically or just in between jobs, while others volunteer for many years.

Through JVN, Mike Boda, 61, volunteers for ORT-JUMP as a mentor for school students, with the Association of Jewish Refugees providing computer assistance for Holocaust survivors, and also with JVN itself, managing its IT. “I look forward to the sessions as I find them interesting and rewarding,� he says. While some can be challenging, he feels he makes a “useful contribution�. “I have learned new skills, met lots of new and interesting people and had a chance to use my experience to help people in the community,� he adds.

Not everyone can spare time each week, and that’s ok, says Lia. “We have the ad hoc volunteers who work during the week and don’t have much time, but can volunteer at events, at weekends or evenings. They get a lot out of it by being part of an event and that’s a great resource for the community.�

DivorcÊe Sharon Eskenazy, 52, has been part of JVN’s ad hoc volunteering squad for around three years and came to it as a way of meeting new people and giving back to the community. She normally helps out at one-off events, such as the Maccabi Fun Run, Limmud Harrow, the Great

Challah Make and packing at Gift. “I get excited to see the same people volunteering and I’m happy I have been part of an event and given of my time,� she explains. “I genuinely love helping the charities. If I didn’t work, I would do something on a regular basis.�

Increasingly, people want to fit in volunteering even on their holidays. Over Pesach, for the first time, JVN made people aware of volunteering opportunities in Israel. “People wanted to spend a day of their holiday volunteering and it was greatly appreciated,� says Lia. And last summer, JVN – which will celebrate its 10th birthday next year – had an increasing number of requests from parents who wanted to volunteer with their children. This summer, the organisation will publish a list of such opportunities.

But however much time you are able to give, the benefits to the volunteers are clear.

As Simone Brick, 53, who runs Jewish Care’s day centre shop in Golders Green, explains: “I love giving back to society and the interaction with the clients. The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming and it is nice to be a part of a team. “I have met so many interesting people and have also made friends with other volunteers. Every week, I really look forward to going and it gives me a real sense of purpose to the week.� www.jvn.org.uk

happily ever after Rochelle and Victor recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary at home.

Over the last 50 years, jliving have become one of the largest housing associations in the UK working primarily with the Jewish community.

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CHARITY

The Golden Years Louisa Walters visits a care home where ageing is amazing THE WORDS ‘CARE’ AND ‘HOME’ both represent something positive and good, yet put them together and all sorts of negative connotations arise. One look at Sunrise care home in Elstree will wipe these away. Here is a sunny, happy place, that is a home in the truest sense of the word to the people who live there, and the care they receive is exemplary. An American company that came to the UK 15 years ago, Sunrise has a fresh approach to assisted living and care.

“There is a widely held view that ‘care home’ signifies the beginning of the end,” says Carla Trup, Sunrise’s director of community relations.

“In fact, it is the total opposite. Moving here represents the start of a new and very positive chapter in the life of the person involved and their loved one.

We have seen people come back to life once they have settled in. Often they have spent years feeling bored and lonely, staring at the same four walls day after day, with little or no social interaction. At Sunrise, their days are filled with activities and social engagement, plus as much privacy as they wish.”

Sunrise of Elstree has two neighbourhoods – Assisted Living (residential care) and Reminiscence (dementia care). The ethos is that all residents should live their lives with purpose and fun, which is achieved with an activities and event calendar aimed at the mind, the body and the spirit.

For the mind, there are quizzes, talks and a computer club; for the body, a morning keep fit group and complimentary manicures and hand massages; for the spirit, there are trips out in a minibus and visits by entertainers. “Our ‘live with purpose’ programme helps our residents to engage, to enjoy, to learn and to grow,” says Carla.

Sunrise has 27 homes in the UK. The majority of the 75 residents in the Elstree home are Jewish.

There are regular Friday night services and the main Jewish holidays are celebrated. Kosher meals can be brought in.

One of the Jewish residents is Mrs Black, a delightful lady in her eighties who has lived at Sunrise in Elstree for seven years. Originally from Bournemouth, after her husband died, she began to feel increasingly isolated in her large cliffside home, despite the presence of a carer. Her family lives in Radlett and she felt moving to Elstree would make it easier for them to visit and give them the peace of mind that comes with knowing she is being cared for.

“I have my own lovely room in this very pleasant building, with its beautiful gardens and wonderful views over London,” she says. “I am very comfortable here and very well looked after.”

Mrs Black likes to start her day early, and a carer comes to her room to be on hand while she showers.

“I can manage on my own, but I prefer someone

to be there in case I fall. I get dressed and made up for the day and go down for breakfast. Meal times are sociable and I sit at a table of four with a charming couple and an amazing Scottish lady who is in her nineties. Everyone is very friendly here but, just as in all walks of life, you form closer friendships with certain people.”

After breakfast, Mrs Black likes to get involved in the range of daily activities. “There is often an interesting talk or discussion in the morning, or we do crossword puzzles. After lunch, there can be an outing – perhaps a drive out or a trip to the local park for tea. There are excursions to the cinema or to the Watford Colosseum to see a show. It’s also really useful that someone comes in to help us use the computer. I received a long letter from a very old friend the other day and I need help replying to it by email.”

Mrs Black loves the fact that she is able to retain her Jewish identity. “Every week, there are Friday night services, which are held by a visiting Lubavitch or liberal rabbi. All the Jewish residents come together and there’s a lovely atmosphere.”

Mrs Black has a TV in her room and also likes to read, so she sometimes likes to spend time privately.

The beauty of the set-up is that residents can opt in or out of socialisation as they wish.

Mrs Black keeps kosher and the kitchen staff are extremely accommodating.

Sunrise: where residents live life with a purpose

“Every day I look at the menu and if there’s nothing suitable I fancy, the chef will make something especially for me. I prefer to have my fish poached and they are very good about this.”

Tea, coffee and biscuits are available all day and Mrs Black has a kettle in her room, too.

“Our bespoke approach means each resident is treated as an individual and allows us to deliver the best of care,” explains Carla. “Meanwhile, our varied activity programme and vibrant community full of visitors, friends and family makes each day special. We even have suites and facilities to enable couples to live together, even if only one of them has care requirements. Quality of life is everything.” sunrise-care.co.uk

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Age of Enlightenment As Jewish Care launches a revolutionary new digital service, Debbie Lightman meets the inspirational woman in the driving seat, inclusive design expert Sandi Wassmer

Sandi Wassmer is taking Jewish Care digital

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HE DIGITAL AGE IS UPON US. Everything we need is available at the touch of a button, the swipe of a screen or the click of a mouse. But if you’re an older or disabled person, or their carer, accessing information and support online, is not always so straightforward. The material is out there, but there’s such an abundance of websites and services available, it’s difficult to know where to begin.

That is why, in 2014, leading health and social care charity, Jewish Care, hired digital services development manager, Sandi Wassmer, to head up its new website, Jewish Care Interact. The aim of this online service was to create one central resource for people in later life, those living with a disability and the community that cares for them.

Now, two years on, thanks to the generous

support of the KC Shasha Charitable Foundation, without which Jewish Care Interact would not have been possible, the site is ready to launch.

“Jewish Care Interact gives people the tools they need to lead meaningful lives,” explains Sandi, who herself registered blind in 2008. “It offers access to services throughout the UK, not only in the Jewish community, but across secular organisations and the public sector. People can use this service, wherever they’re living, whenever they want, and make important decisions about their future in an informed way.”

Sandi, who suffers from degenerative eye disease, retinitis pigmentosa, was passionate about creating a website that is both simple to use and accessible to all. She has ensured the language is friendly and suitable for those with learning difficulties. The site is compatible with different assistive technological devices, such as the screen reader software she relies on to ‘read’ text with synthesised speech. She has even recruited volunteers to read and record the pages of the website, for sight impaired visitors who prefer a human voice.

Volunteers are also responsible for much of the written, audio and video content. Sandi, who is an advocate of user-centred design – a method which involves collaborating with a panel of potential users – recruited a mix of 35 volunteers, including carers, older people and those with different physical and mental disabilities, to test the design at every stage.

“We listened and we understood their needs,” recalls Sandi, who researched the project alongside expert in human computer interaction, Dr David Sloane, “and we’re still working with them, to make sure we continue to get the site right, because it’s an evolving thing”.

The resulting service offers advice on a range of disabilities and health issues.

There’s a comprehensive segment on care where you are living or staying. The ‘ageing well and living with purpose’ section offers practical ideas on staying active. There’s also a Jewish life and culture area that Sandi feels is integral to the service.

“We deal with bereavement and divorce and Jewish-related things throughout your life,” informs Sandi. “We also have weekly Shabbat times and festival songbooks.

There are healthier Jewish recipes, because people want to live longer, but they still want their matzah ball soup! We’ve even built a digital reminis-

cence room, looking back on life in London’s East End. It’s a great intergenerational tool, for families who want to interact with a relative with dementia.”

Sandi feels that this Jewish element answers visitors’ need to be supported in a culturally specific way.

“When you’re experiencing things like loss and disability, being in a Jewish environment is really vital,” says Sandi. “You’re at your lowest ebb and you want to be accepted – you want to belong.”

This desire to feel part of the community, is something Sandi hopes will help establish a public forum.

Using the popular parenting site Mumsnet as an example, the web expert hopes the community will ‘digitally befriend’ one another.

“The forum is for peer to peer support,” says Sandi. “I know from personal experience that support from an expert is very different to support from somebody who’s been through what you’ve been through.”

“I was 46 when I registered blind,” she reveals.

“My life fell apart, before I pulled myself back up. This kind of online support didn’t exist when I needed it, to know that someone else can experience what you’ve experienced and be ok, or more than ok,

be thriving. You need to hear that you’re not alone.

“I used to write a blog about my journey, for the charity Action for Blind People and one woman who was nearly suicidal said my blog saved her life! She said: ‘I see what you see and I hear what you’re saying and I have hope.’ That’s the point.”

Alongside the website, Jewish Care continues to encourage older and disabled people to use technology in its Karten IT Centres and across its care homes.

“If we want our community to be participating in the digital age, we need to skill them up,” declares Sandi. “If you’re digitally excluded, it can lead to social isolation. Technology is not a replacement for face to face but, if you’re feeling isolated, to be able to use technology to have those social interactions is incredible. That’s why we’ve created this platform.”

However, she also points out that we can’t make assumptions about who is using digital technology.

“There’s a volunteer who’ll be 99 in July,” recalls Sandi. “I asked him: “Do you use a computer?” His response? “Don’t be ridiculous, Sandi! Its 2016!”

For more information, go to jewishcareinteract.org

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CHARITY

Lucky Number 13

It’s great for charities when a bar or batmitzvah wants to give as well as receive, writes Debra Barnes

nate as ourselves, whether it is because of money or health,” said Mia. “We’re all having big parties for our batmitzvahs, but felt it was important to think of others who are not as lucky as us.

“Our mums nominated three charities and told us about them, then we voted for the one we wanted to support, which turned out to be Camp Simcha,” explained JFS student Evie.

“We organised the roller disco after starting secondary school, so it was like a reunion, seeing all our friends who had gone to different schools,” said Amelia.

“We’d love to do more events in the future.

It’s great fun doing it with friends.”

A Sunday ‘batmitzvah’ brunch fundraiser proved a hit for former Hertsmere Primary pupils JCoSS student Adam Goodman, who f course, the glitzy party, photo booth Sunday morning when 40 of our friends came to celebrated his barmitzvah in January, and presents are high up on the check the brunch. raised £550 for Kisharon nursery by carrylist for every bat and barmitzvah but, “We raised £1,200 and the best part was that we ing out errands for others, such as for some, it’s also about giving back. Maybe were raising money to help others while being with shredding, dog walking, babysitting and it’s the fact that entering Jewish adulthood our friends and having fun!” washing cars. requires a grand symbolic gesture, which is how Ali had already raised almost “Kisharon printed Year 7 Yavneh College student Sofia Forman £1,000 for Chai from a bake sale my barmitzvah invitasees it. “When you become batmitzvah, you held in the run up to her battions, so we knew have to take responsibility for your own actions mitzvah and would love to do about the charity. We and that includes being a good person and look- something similar again next specifically chose the ing out for others,” she said. year for Chai. nursery because I was Sofia got together with four friends who had Food and the consumption able to visit the children grown up together at Hertsmere Jewish Primary of it is often the theme for and I did that three School: Issy Becker, Ali Bohm, Mully Millan and Katy fundraising 13-year-olds, but times to meet and play Denby. “It was my mum’s idea,” explained Sofia. a group of girls who have been with the children – some “We all had our batmitzvahs coming up and she friends since nursery at Rosh of whom were disthought it would be a nice idea for us to do some- Pinah Primary School chose to abled – and to see the thing together. We all love baking so we came up hold a roller disco for 60, raising equipment I would be with the idea of a Sunday brunch. We chose to more than £500 for charity. raising money for. donate to Chai Cancer Care as it is close to our Evie Laifer, Jemima Briggs, Adam Goodman “It is a good thing to hearts. Unfortunately, a couple of us have been Amelia Markham, Dani Kramer do as part of your batmitzpersonally affected by cancer and so this seemed and Mia Foreman decided to organise a charitable vah, because it is not just about being the obvious choice.” event together as they started preparing for their fortunate enough to have a big party and Ali explained: “We baked the goodies at my batmitzvahs. receive lots of money, it is also about perhouse on Saturday night, so they would be fresh for “We wanted to help others who aren’t as fortu- forming mitzvot and giving money to charity.”

It is for that reason that UJIA runs its Ethiopian Bar/Bat Mitzvah programme, twinning children in the UK with Ethiopian Israelis.

“The children in the UK attend a monthly club where they learn about becoming bar/batmitzvah, Israel, and their own identities through the prism of the Ethiopian Jewish experience,” explained UJIA programme manager Melanie Kelly.

“As part of their learning, they also raise funds to support a learning programme for underprivileged children who are part of this community to ensure that they can also enjoy a bar or batmitzvah.

“One of our children this year raised in excess of £11,000 through sponsoring getting his hair cut, which was an incredible achievement.”

O

Top: A Rosh Pinah roller disco reunion for Camp Simcha. Above: Participants on the UJIA bar/batmitzvah twinning programme

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9 June 2016 The Jewish News

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The Jewish News 9 June 2016

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CHARITY

One step at a time A charity changing the lives of children with disabilities and their families now needs a little help of its own D EVORAH IS A BRIGHT, happy and active five-year-old girl who loves to swim. Like most children, she thinks it is fantastic fun, but while others of her age have the freedom to just leap into a pool, Devorah is paralysed from the waist down and her dual disability of spina bifida and hydrocephalus means she is wheelchairbound. Yet the assistance she requires to get about and be active on land is not necessary in the water, where she is a Step by Step swimming champion.

“The pool is the only place where I feel normal!” says Devorah, who can swim the length of the pool independently using just her arms.

The first time she did that was a proud day for her parents, physiotherapist, and her volunteer carer, Miriam, who has supported her every week for nearly two years. The most heartening thing is to see the sense of pride in this little girl, who now has increased confidence to try new things and discover what she is truly capable of.

Every week of the year, Step by Step is there to support Devorah and her family and 130 others, either through their regular after-school sports sessions, which include ice-skating, horse-riding, cycling, music, swimming and aerobics, full-day

Sunday clubs, or special programmes such as their annual Pesach, Succot, summer and winter playschemes, bi-annual Shabbatonim and weeklong winter sleep away camp – the highlight of the year. A total of 140 local volunteers give of their time weekly to provide quality one-to-one care.

Devorah’s parents know that when she is at her after-school swimming sessions, or attending the full day Sunday club, they can spend precious time with their other children and give them their full attention, secure in the knowledge that their daughter is being well cared for, and having a great time.

“We cherish the support, professional relationship and the friendship that has developed between us and Devorah’s volunteer Miriam,” says her father Simon. “Without Miriam, and the team at Step by Step, I don’t know where we would be. As a family, we would break down.

We have so much more hope now in Devorah’s future than we did when she first started.”

Step by Step is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and will hold a gala at Alexandra Palace to mark the auspicious occasion. Since its foundation in 1996, the charity’s unique work within the Orthodox Jewish community has been funded

by local authorities (Hackney, Haringey and Barnet) and charitable trust grants, along with extensive support from, among others, the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, Jewish Child’s Day, the Jewish Youth Fund, the Shoresh Charitable Trust and The Children’s Aid Committee.

Devorah’s family is just one of the 130 others who are overcoming the daily challenges of disability and seeing a brighter future for their child through Step by Step’s activities.

“We extend our thanks to all of our supporters who have enabled us to come this far,” says Step by Step’s chief executive Judith Schaechter.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer such a wide range of vital leisure and sports programmes for special children within our community. “ Prior to 2013, Step by Step did not need to reach out to the wider community for support but, as the financial climate has changed, it has experienced severe local authority cuts, and now turns to the community to raise 30 percent of its total budget.

“We are excited about our future and look forward to helping more families overcome the challenges of living with disability and to create more happy memories,” says Judith. “We will be taking

Fast Track Charity

SCRATCHING YOUR head over the invitation list to your next fundraising event? Unsure about where to pitch your next appeal for funds? Still running your charity off a string of unconnected spreadsheets?

It happens. Many charitable enterprises start life on a generous impulse and willing spirit – and years later, their infrastructure remains stuck in the dark ages.

That's where Advantage NFP Fundraiser comes in – an integrated fundraising and membership database that allows you to manage customer relationships with potential donors and supporters in the most efficient way possible.

“It can transform the operation of your charity,” explained Shila Kerai, marketing executive for

Redbourn Business Systems, creator of the innovative software package.

“The programme enables you to manage contacts and provides a complete overview of the financial side of things. This integrated approach means that invitations to fundraising events can be tailored to those individuals who are most likely to show up and provide a donation.

“In addition, it means communications can be streamlined and targeted more effectively – grouping contacts for different methods such as a mail-out, group email or SMS texting.”

Advantage NFP Fundraiser is, without doubt, one of the market leaders in this important field.

Charity clients range from the Thames Valley Air Ambulance to Wymondham College, St Michael's

In the swimming pool Devorah feels ‘normal’

part in the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run on Sunday, 19 June, at Allianz Park and would love to have supporters running on our behalf or by sponsoring one of our runners.

“It is only with support that we can show children like Devorah how they can have fun like everyone else.”

For details of Step by Step’s services, or information about bringing up happy, thriving children with disabilities, call 020 8802 2362 or come to see one of its programmes. The offices are open 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm on Fridays.

Need help targeting supporters?

Long to streamline communication?

Steve Bailey has found software to make the hard task of fundraising much easier

Hospice and the Tyne & Wear Archive and Museums – testimony to the software’s effectiveness across a variety of fields.

“Charities can easily lose out by having different methods for dealing with finances, contact lists and event planning,” said Shila. “The great thing about our product is the way it combines everything together in the same place. All the information you need is available – just when you need it.”

And it certainly works. A recent report in Fundraising Magazine showed the software scored an amazing 100 percent for customer recommendations.

There are three different ‘packages’ available with Advantage NFP Fundraiser, depending on the charity’s size.

“The objective is to help charities grow,” explained Shila. “And the software grows with the charity. Our most basic package is the ‘solo’ version – ideal for running on a single laptop, which is how many start-up charities begin.

“You move up in scale to the ‘professional’, then again to the ‘enterprise’ which offers facilities to run a major household name charity.”

All of this comes in an off-the-shelf package which is easily installed – and can be adapted for the needs of individual clients.

“It may be that a particular charity feels it needs

an emphasies on social media,” said Shila. “If so, we can adapt the software to reflect this.”

St Clare Hospice – a client since 2004 – provides a case in point. It incorporates an SMS texting facility into their package which informs potential donors when registration for an upcoming event is open.

A spokesman for St Clare explained: “I see SMS text messaging becoming a key communication tool for the hospice. Sending reminders preevent should also improve the attendance of the fundraising event, therefore increasing the funds raised.”

Advantage NFP Fundraising has been in operation since 1994. Over the years, the developing product has brought all aspects of charity profileraising within reach – including some methods which did not even exist way back then, such as Twitter.

Anti-poverty campaign group the World Development Movement, another Advantage customer, developed a PR campaign encompassing bloggers and political websites as well as traditional media. They created a ‘Twitter storm’ where hundreds of people tweeted HM Treasury, demanding it regulates food speculation.

The campaign generated huge traffic on Facebook, Google and YouTube – and brought 250 additional new donors to WDM’s funding operation. Ample proof of what can easily be achieved with this innovative software product.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

9 June 2016 The Jewish News

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StayingFaithful By supporting Israeli children who are vulnerable and at risk, British Emunah lives up to the true meaning of its name. Deborah Cicurel reports

Tackling the social problems and emotional issues of children in Israel is Emunah’s main purpose

IN 1982, AN 11-YEAR-OLD raising funds for some 12,000 child named Sharon Shalom of the country’s most vulnerawalked the treacherous road ble and at-risk youth, who from Ethiopia to Sudan with need support on a daily basis, one mission in mind: to reach whether through trauma therJerusalem. His grandfather apy, counselling services or had long instilled in him the residential children’s homes. wish to travel to Israel, and he There are so many young was determined to carry out people in need of help: orhis will. phans, abused or neglected Shalom believed he was children, those whose lives alone in the world, thinking his have been torn apart by war, parents and siblings had died Ethiopian-born Rabbi Sharon Shalom others who have come from on the road to Sudan. The severely impoverished backJewish Agency flew him to grounds.

Israel and he was placed at the Emunah Centre in The children are helped through innovative initiaAfula. For four years, Shalom continued to think his tives, including art therapy, animal petting therapy, family were dead – until he received a miraculous horse-riding and drama classes, which are not just for message. His parents and siblings were alive. They fun, but serve as subtle ways of tackling children’s sohad arrived in Israel and the family could be together cial problems and emotional issues without necessaronce more. ily sitting them down and talking about their feelings.

Decades later, that eleven-year-old boy is now “It would be wonderful to think that one day there Rabbi Sharon Shalom, one of the first Ethiopian-born won’t be children at risk who need help, but this commissioned officers in the IDF, a husband, a father seems an impossible dream,” says the charity’s direcof four and the rabbi of the Ashkenazi Synagogue tor, Deborah Nathan.

Kdoshei Yisrael, which counts a number of Holocaust “Our many success stories show that by working survivors among its members. with children and, where appropriate, parents and There’s no doubt that Rabbi Shalom’s refusal to the whole family, Emunah can break the cycles of give up and tenacious will to make a life for himself neglect, abuse and poverty so that the children we has played a tremendous role in making him the role care for now will go on to live successful and happy model he is today, but he has been hugely helped lives in the future. along the way by British Emunah.

“Our role is to continue to fundraise to support The UK-registered charity, a major provider of our projects in Israel while there are still children who welfare services in Israel, was established in 1933 to provide help for children escaping Nazi persecution.

Today, it has developed services to meet the very different problems faced by Israeli children now,

need our help. No child in need is turned away.”

The charity raises funds through an online shop, Emunah on eBay, and an annual gala dinner, as well as marathons, community fun runs, cookery demonstrations, speakers, bridge, a book circle and a gentleman’s lunch club. It organises trips to the centres in Israel, working with schools and groups of volunteers to encourage social action.

The charity relies heavily on volunteers, whether to help out with administrative tasks or to organise fundraising events. There’s plenty of social action and volunteering going on already, but sadly, when it comes to disadvantaged children, there can always be more hands on deck.

“We’re funded entirely by donations,” Deborah says. “We are incredibly grateful to every British

Emunah supporter and donor who ensures that the children in our care in Israel are able to continue to receive the services they need so badly in centres across the country.

“Donating to Emunah is a way of showing your connection to Israel and helping create a better future for the children and, ultimately Israeli society, as we break the cycles of neglect and poverty that still affect so many, despite Israel’s ‘thriving’ economy and apparent economic success.

“We take our responsibility to look after our donor’s money very seriously and always make sure we know where every penny we send is used. It’s our responsibility to make sure the Rabbi Sharon Shaloms of this world are not one-off examples of charity done well. Shouldn’t every child have a fair chance?“

‫בס”ד‬

You never know who has a crisis going on behind their front door.

Crises can hit anyone.

People with families just like yours.

We have built up a team of therapists, family support workers, advocates and legal advisors to help families in crisis.

We help with: post-natal depression • messy divorces child protection • police involvement • social services liason • school exclusion • single parenthood • and more.

I told the family I was dealing with: ‘if you really want someone who can help you, go to the London Jewish Family Centre’ IRO; Barnet Family

Support

Family Support Services at the London Jewish Family Centre 113b Golders Green Road, London, NW11 8HR tel 0208 209 1117 | familysupport@ljfc.com | www.ljfc.com registered charity number 1162132

Left: A residential children’s home in Israel and, above, pupils perusing Emunah’s online shop.

London Jewish Family Centre

Family Support Services is a division of the London Jewish Family Centre.

The Centre at the Heart of the Community For our other programmes and activities visit our website or call the Centre to request a programme.

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The Jewish News 9 June 2016

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CHARITY

Private Functions With so many healthcare companies vying for your business, getting someone else to pick the right one for you is the way to go, writes Steve Bailey IF YOU THINK private medical insurance is too fees and an unlimited cancer pledge.” expensive, think again.

He explained: “Part of the problem is that The deals are out there, if only you know where people have got no idea of the range and variety to look. Or – better still – get someone else to look of medical cover available – and how to access it.” for you.

Switch Health, for instance, doesSwitch Health is a specialist n’t charge client fees. The service is healthcare brokerage dedicated to free. And it is independent. bringing you the best value-for“This means you get the right money deals on private medical policy for you,” said Dan. “Many care – even if you have a pre-existof the deals we offer as a broker ing condition. won’t be available to you as a regWith a choice of more than 500 ular customer. We have a wider policies to choose from, they'll have range of BUPA policies, for something just right for your cirinstance, than you’ll get by visiting cumstances, whatever they may be. its website as an individual.”

“There are certainly good deals Some of them are specifically out there to be had,” said director designed for cases with ‘difficult’ Dan Parker. “I've just arranged Switch Health’s Dan Parker medical histories. cover for a young family – two “Speciality products include adults, two children – where the so-called MHD policies,” Dan monthly premium is £67.45. This includes all tests, explained. “This stands for ‘medical history full patient treatment in hospital with surgeon's disregarded’. These policies enable you to get

medical cover for pre-existing conditions. It’s ‘no questions asked’ cover if you take out medical insurance for five people or more.”

Other deals aim to cut the cost of family cover in various ways. One provider is currently offering three months’ free cover on new policies. Another will provide free cover for your spouse for the first year, with a 25 percent reduction on year two and a 15 percent reduction on year three.

Others offer free cover for children – if you pay for the eldest child.

Many of these deals are often short-term – so advice from a specialist such as Switch Health can be invaluable in helping you find them.

Their expertise can also help you avoid the horror stories. We’ve all heard tales of inadequate cover – or where a specialist’s fees were ‘too high’ for the policy, resulting in a hefty bill for the luckless patient.

“Being familiar with the small print is our job,” said Dan. “People make genuine but avoidable mistakes when dealing with these situations alone.

We’re here to help ensure they avoid the possible pitfalls.”

Some are commonplace within the industry, but largely unknown to the general public – like the ‘six week condition’.

“This is written into a number of policies and means the insurer won’t pay out if the NHS can see you within six weeks – which effectively excludes cancer treatments, which are always prioritised by the health service. Because you’re seen quickly, you’ll never be able to claim.”

Specialists’ fees can be another bone of contention because some policies contain what are

known as ‘fee guidelines’, which set price limits for various procedures. For example, the standard fee for a cataract removal is £282. But some specialists will charge much more than that – on account of their expertise and additional experience.

If their bill goes above the ‘fee guideline’, the patient will have to pay the extra.

“Knowing which policies operate fee guidelines – and which policies don’t – means we can direct the customer to a product which is just right for them,” said Dan. “You can still be seen by the top experts in the field, without incurring a big bill.”

Even if you already have medical insurance, it still makes sense to give Switch Health a call.

Fifty percent of its business involves dealing with existing cover – to see whether there’s a better deal on offer elsewhere.

“People go to private medical insurance for a variety of reasons,” said Dan. “Peace of mind is one of the main factors. Maybe they’ve had a bad experience of the NHS or they want to stay in a private room, or to be seen straight away, or maybe they want access to cancer drugs not available on the NHS, if need be.

“Whatever the reason, it’s vital you get the right cover for your needs – and our business has been set up in a way which means there’s no incentive for our sales team to prioritise one provider over another.

“This means our deals are always tailored to the client’s best interests. It’s our first and only priority.”

• www.switchhealth.co.uk

THE FOOD OF LOVE

The UK Friends of the Israel Guide Dog Centre help raise awareness and much needed funds for Israel’s 23,000 registered blind and visually-impaired people.

We need your help to support the 36 new guide dog partnerships we need to create this year, each one costing around £26,000.

To donate or find out more please call 020 8090 3455 or email our UK Executive Director, Martin Segal at martin@bfigdcb.org www.israelguidedog.org.uk UK registered charity no: 1027996

“A COLLECTION OF WONDERFUL RECIPES and stories, all given from a place of love and support,” is how Claire Cantor describes Chai’s Plateful of Love cookery book, which has just been launched. Sponsored by the Lehmann Charitable Trust, the book – which was produced by Claire and her cookbook team – is dedicated to the memory of her brother-in-law, Colin Lehmann, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in February.

“As Colin underwent months of chemo and interventions, his appetite was affected,” explained Claire at the launch of the book at her home. “My sister and I talked endlessly about what food she could make for him. I realised how powerless we feel when we cannot provide food for the people we love and equally how good we feel when we can share our love through beautiful food. From this came the idea for the book, which is a celebration of life and a glimmer of beauty in the midst of much sadness.”

Colin’s daughter, Tamar, who attended the launch, said it was easy to underestimate the services charities such as Chai provide until you need to use them yourself. “Over the past 15 months, Chai has given me a quiet space to think, ears that

always listen and advice that will help me to cope with the unthinkable that fell upon my family.”

Chai’s Plateful of Love – Cooking for Friends can be purchased online at www.chaicancercare.org/ get-involved/events/chai-cookbook-a-plateful-of -love/2016-06-01 and is also available to buy at Chai’s flagship centre in Hendon.

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9 June 2016 The Jewish News

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The Jewish News 9 June 2016

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CHARITY

All aboard for summer?

Brigit Grant turned holiday shopping into a noble cause IT’S TRICKY KNOWING WHEN TO BUY SUMMER CLOTHES in the UK. Unless you are one of the lucky ones with a second home in Marbella/Mallorca/ Antibes or Barbados, investing in lots of swimwear, sarongs, multiple pairs of flip flops and a safari pith helmet seems pointless.

But what if you could build up your seasonal wardrobe and boost the coffers of a charity at the same time?

Suddenly acquiring an extra bikini, sombrero or silky pareo makes sense and the guilt you would have felt stocking up for summer at Brent Cross turns into philanthropic pride.

Buying at the All Aboard charity shops, which are dotted all over London, means that your monetary donations are going to more than 60 charities that work with vulnerable children and students, the disabled, service veterans, patients and their families, senior citizens and victims of abuse.

The money made at All Aboard shops pays for hospital equipment, outings and respite care for terminally ill children, research projects and learning programmes, as well as contributing towards residential care for the elderly.

Since 1987, All Aboard has raised more than £3 million for its chosen charities and for that to continue, it needs to keep selling and what better way to make that happen than with you acquiring a beach bag, shorts or a summer dress. And there’s plenty to buy, as I discovered while scouting some of All Aboard’s branches with my trusty helper.

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www.jewishnews.co.uk

9 June 2016 The Jewish News

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Hello, is it me you’re looking for?

Sometimes a reassuring voice at the end of a phone is all that’s needed, as Caron Kemp found when she visited Jewish Helpline WHEN A YOUNG MOTHER took her own life some 30 years ago, a group of her friends felt strongly that if there had been somewhere or someone for her to turn to, her untimely death could have been prevented. And so, in a bid to prevent others in great distress feeling so alone – and in her memory – the Jewish Helpline was born.

Since then, the charity has grown, boasting a committed band of some 55 professionally trained and caring volunteers, who together handle up to 2,000 calls each year from people across the entire spectrum of our community, in their time of need.

“The helpline offers an opportunity for anyone who feels the need to talk to someone in an open and honest way without any repercussions,” explains Helen (not her real name), who has been volunteering each week for the past six years.

“We have no personal connection to our callers so anything they tell us stays within the safety of the phone call. They can say things that they wouldn’t be able to tell family members or friends without the fear of being told that what they are feeling is not important, not appropriate or not valid.

“Some of our callers have no one else to talk to; they can go for days without sharing a

conversation with anyone else.

“When they call us, they have the chance to talk and be heard. Most of us are so busy rushing around that we don’t have the time to actually hear what our friends, children and other family members need to say. The Jewish Helpline provides a unique service that gives people a lifeline when needed.”

Doubtless, the fact that this is a communal offering, appeals to callers.

“Whatever your religious beliefs, whatever your level of observance, the Jewish community shares the same problems and angst as the rest of the wider community,” Helen admits.

“As a community, we are extremely generous in our financial support to good causes but, unfortunately, it is still uncomfortable to know that there are people who are lonely, stressed, anxious, depressed, poverty stricken and suffering with mental health issues.

“To have the Jewish Helpline is so important because all the volunteers are Jewish, so we share an understanding of the minutiae of Jewish life, which we can get bogged down in.”

And this feeling is echoed by volunteer chairwoman Tamara Zenios, who believes it is a comfort to service users.

“It can be daunting to pick up the phone and call a crisis line, but our being Jewish takes away a layer of the unknown and offers some familiarity, almost as if we’ll understand them from a perspective that can’t be explained,” she says.

Run entirely by volunteers, the charity is reliant on the financial support and commitment of the community to continue.

“As is common practice with crisis lines, and to preserve confidentiality, all of our volunteers are anonymous, and so it is much harder to fundraise,” admits Tamara.

“Yet we offer emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope and we take calls not just from the UK, but at times from across Europe and into America.

“People know that our service is confidential, anonymous and non-judgmental. We receive calls about all types of issues, from those in crisis, to those who have been struggling for years and have never shared their experiences with anyone.

“Sometimes people call in the middle of a crisis, other times people call about something that’s been troubling them for some time.

“Whatever the situation, people usually call because they feel lonely in some way and unable to share what's going on with those around them.”

So what motivates people like Helen to give up their time for this cause?

“I had reached a point in my life where my children were independent and I had spare time on my hands,” she concedes.

“I enjoy speaking to people and was told that I was a good listener.

“When I have taken a call and made a real difference to someone who is in need, it gives me great personal satisfaction. I know from my own experience how the kindness of strangers can help and I am lucky enough to be able to do this for others.”

And her advice to anyone in need is simple.

“Don't struggle alone. If you do not have anyone you can confide in, please call the Jewish Helpline,” she says.

• Operating hours are 12pm to 12am Sunday to Thursday and 12pm to 3pm on Fridays. Call 0800 652 9249 (freephone) or 020 3096 2875. For more information, or to make a donation, email jewishhl@live.co.uk or visit www.jewishhelpline.co.uk

Sweet charity Personal experience of home care drove one man to provide it for others

Barry Sweetbaum who learnt through experience

W

HEN BARRY SWEETBAUM lost his mother to cancer, the carer – Margie – who had looked after her helped his family through the experience. This made Barry realise that the healthcare sector needed to offer more than just task-orientated care and so he set up SweetTree with Nicki Bomes, a qualified mental health nurse.

Thirteen years on, SweetTree’s philosophy continues to be about supporting individuals, not only with their basic needs, but to enable them to carry on leading an active and meaningful life.

“Regardless of a person’s care needs or dependency, we support them to continue living

life to the full, with care and support that is designed around their individual passions and interests,” says Barry.

People under SweetTree’s care range from those experiencing age-related fragility to those with dementia, mental health-related illnesses, learning disabilities, brain injuries, neurological conditions and palliative care needs.

“Often, our clients are not prepared for what is happening to them or their family, and resort to untrained people, such as a housekeeper or family member. We train our team members and develop their skills as well as giving them support, which in itself is extremely important”, says Barry, whose company employs more than 500 staff.

Cost varies depending on the situation, and the extent of their involvement. Barry explains: “Often the only care given by the NHS is task orientated, supporting people with the basics, such as washing, dressing and meal preparation.

While we can provide this, we also try and stimulate the person and encourage them to engage with their local community.

“We train our staff in Jewish ethics so they may help with a seder or go with them to synagogue, if they wish. We also offer pet therapy and have a 14-acre care farm called SweetTree Fields Farm in north London. The farm offers a broad range of

activities, from gardening and horticulture, to woodwork and animal care, all within a safe and nurturing environment.”

Various forms of art therapy, and teaching people to meditate are other resources that are sometimes used. “Our involvement can be as much or as little as is required. It could just mean relieving a partner so they can recharge and go out with their friends to lunch,” Barry adds.

SweetTree has its own Admiral Nurse, Rikki Lorenti, whose job it is to support the family members of those who have dementia. Staff at SweetTree are also on hand to give help and advice, often over the telephone, even if their services are not always taken up.

The team understands the importance of collaboration and building community links, so works closely with family members and primary care teams, as well as charities and specialist support organisations. The company, whose services currently extend to the Greater London area within the M25, has been awarded a gold standard by Investors in People, and this year was listed in The Sunday Times as one of the country’s best employers. www.sweettree.co.uk t: 020 7624 9944

This weekend SWEETTREE is sponsoring The Alzheimer’s Show at Olympia for the third year running.

The show is the UK’s only exhibition and conference dedicated to the public and professionals dealing with the issues of dementia and bringing together specialist care and support services that can help sufferers and their families.

At the show, The SweetTree Quiet Lounge will offer tranquility and time out from the busy exhibition space for those with dementia, offering hand massage, relaxing sensory equipment and refreshments.

The team will also be managing a programme of practical activities workshops, which bring together experts from across a range of disciplines. Each workshop will offer visitors ideas on how they may help improve and enhance the lives of those they care for with dementia. Topics will range from music and crafts to aromatherapy, diet and nutrition, seated exercise, specialist sensory equipment, gardening and horticulture and ways to adapt the home environment.

THE ALZHEIMER’S SHOW IS ON JUNE 10/11.

VISIT ALZHEIMERSSHOW.CO.UK

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The Jewish News 9 June 2016

www.jewishnews.co.uk

THE NER ORRE COMMUNITY CENTRE Opened in 2013, the Ner Orre Community Centre at Mill Hill Synagogue is suitable for all kinds of events. The hall can host 550 guests seated theatre style or for a standing reception, 400 for a seated dinner and 270 guests seated, with a dance oor.

The Centre has a fully equipped state-of-the-art KLBD kitchen and a complete range of sound and video options.

We offer special discounts for charity events. Full day packages are available at up to a 50% discount. Hall hire starts at ÂŁ100 per hour.

For more information to make an enquiry, contact Gerry on t. 020 8959 1137 e. info@nerorre.co.uk

Photography Credits Top: Lara Minsky Photography Middle Left: Jamie Nessim Photography Middle Right: Lara Minsky Photography Bottom: Mill Hill Shabbat UK Dinner