Jewish Care

Each year, an award is given in memory of Philip Greenwold to an outstanding individual or group who has made a significant contribution to others. This year, the award was presented by Topland Group’s Mark Kingston to Trevor Avery, in recognition of his incredible inspiring achievements. Trevor Avery is Director of Another Space, an education charity that produced the Lake District Holocaust Project in Windermere UK, the international initiative looking at the connections and legacy of the story of the three hundred child survivors of the Holocaust who came to the Lake District of England in 1945 directly after liberation from the concentration camps of Nazi-occupied Europe. Speaking at the lunch, Trevor, gave an emotional response to winning the award. “My huge thanks go to Topland Group Business Lunch and Jewish Care for this award. I will place it on display with pride. The Jewish children who came to Windermere represent a profound act of defiance in overcoming whatever adversities they had to contend with. When I first began working on the Lake District Holocaust project twenty years ago, I had little idea of where it would lead. It is so good to have my special friend Harry Olmer MBE, one of The Windermere Children, here with us today.” 97-year-old, Harry Olmer MBE, who is a member of Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, attended the Topland Group Business Lunch. Harry is one of ‘The Boys’ who came to England after liberation having survived five concentration camps during the Holocaust. He later completed a five-year dentistry degree at Glasgow University. Harry spent two years as a dentist in the British Civil Service, going on to work for many years in his chosen profession. Harry and his late wife, Margaret, enjoyed many happy years together, with their four children and eight grandchildren. Our warmest congratulations go to Trevor Avery. 👏🏼

The Rt. Hon. George Osborne CH is a partner at Robey Warshaw LLP, Former First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Exchequer, and previously Editor-in-chief of London’s Evening Standard newspaper. He was interviewed by Lord Finkelstein OBE, former Executive Editor and current columnist for The Times newspaper. Joanne Barnett, member of the Topland Group Business Lunch Committee, introduced the guest speakers, whose conversation covered global politics, the future of the economy, and the need for growth to boost the UK economy. Talking about the work of Jewish Care, The Rt. Hon. George Osborne CH, said, “It was my pleasure to attend the Topland Group Business Lunch and to help raise much-needed funds in support of Jewish Care. “It is a brilliant charity and its work to support and enable older people, and those who are living with mental illness and distress is so vital for thousands of people who rely on Jewish Care.”

Jewish Care’s President, Steven Lewis gave a powerful appeal to guests to give generously. He said: “The need for our services is not just continuing; it’s growing. Our community is aging, mental health issues are becoming more prevalent – especially among younger people, as we have seen in the increased demand for Jami’s mental health services, with the pressure on the NHS mounting. We are also seeing an increase in the need for end-of-life care, as people are coming to us more frail and elderly, with more complex medical needs. “With the demands on our services becoming more urgent than ever, Jewish Care has been hit hard by the recent National Insurance increase for employers, and we now have an additional £1.1m in our wage bill in the coming year. The charity must raise nearly £20 million this year to meet the needs of those who rely on us. Many of the life-changing services we provide receive no government funding so we are entirely dependent on the community’s support.” The charity’s President highlighted some of Jewish Care’s vital services, from the warm and vibrant community centres, including the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre and centres for people living with dementia, to the charity’s nine care homes for older people and people living with mental illness to the Meals on Wheels service, Jewish Care Direct helpline, Befriending service, support groups and more. “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a moment in history that reminds us all of the profound importance of remembrance and the continued fight against hatred. l know that all of us in the room, regardless of what faith we are from, share the strong belief that “Never Again” remains a promise to those who perished and to those who survived.” You can donate to the Topland Group Business Lunch here: https://lnkd.in/er5Y2jX3

We are delighted to welcome 1,000 guests today to Jewish Care’s Topland Group Business Lunch, raising funds in support of our vital services, which are a lifeline to many isolated members of the community. This is Jewish Care’s 37th Business Lunch and it is now in its 16th year of partnership with the Topland Group. David Pollock, Chairman of the Topland Group Business Lunch Committee, shared his gratitude with all those supporting the lunch, saying, “It’s fantastic to see so many guests here with us today and I would like to thank the committee and our generous sponsors the Topland Group for their support and hard work in making this event happen, as well as Allsop LLP and BKL Property Consultants.”

We are delighted to have the Neuro Heroes join us for the next online Parkinson’s Wellbeing Group. Neuro Heroes is the UK’s first online neuro gym, delivering condition specific exercise classes for people living with Parkinson’s. The next session is on Monday 3 March at 2pm. For more details and to register for the group, please email communitysupportadminteam@jcare.org

Last night, actress, writer and playwright, Tracy-Ann Oberman spoke to 250 guests at Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre fundraising dinner. The evening, compèred by Ivor Baddiel who interviewed Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg BEM and his wife, Shary, raised an incredible £150,000 for the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre at the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre, which is the only place of its kind in the UK, designed specifically to support Holocaust survivors all year round. During the interview with Ivor, Manfred and Shary shared what they love about being members of the Centre. 94-year-old Manfred said, "The friendships that develop at the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre are as precious as family, and the staff and volunteers are so caring, they cannot do enough for us.” 💜 Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eCaQPxEt

Helplines give us direct access to highly specialised support. We encourage everyone to make a note of the following helplines and help get the message across the community that utilising a helpline at a moment of need is a positive, empowering step we can all take just when we need to. 🧡💜 Read more about our helplines here: https://lnkd.in/e3GhAAYk 📞 #HelplinesAwarenessDay2025

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Redbridge Jewish Community Centre is filled with laughter and smiles as members, staff, and volunteers come together to participate in various activities! Meet Rita, our wonderful volunteer who has given a remarkable 24 years of service to RJCC. Rita is a member on Thursdays and a volunteer on Tuesdays, what an amazing commitment! In just a few months, Rita will also be celebrating an incredible milestone - her 95th birthday! 🎁🥳 Rita shares, “In my 24th year of volunteering, I can honestly say I prefer Tuesdays! It is no obligation to be here, I love it, whether I’m helping or attending.” 🤗 Rita’s dedication, always with a smile on her face, makes RJCC a brighter place for everyone. We are so thankful for the joy she brings to all of us! ☺️ Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom. 💜

Corporate Volunteering at Jewish Care. Thank you, Google and Schroders! 👏🏼 We were delighted to welcome Corporate Volunteers from Google and Schroders for a special Corporate Volunteering Day at Jewish Care, where they had the opportunity to connect with our members and experience the incredible work that takes place at Jewish Care. The day of corporate volunteering consisted of various activities, starting with a chance for volunteers to socialise with members of our Holocaust Survivors’ Centre. These intergenerational connections were truly special. After this, a Lunch and Learn was led by Max and Julia from Jewish Care Explore, who introduced the volunteers to our technology support initiative. Jewish Care Explore empowers adults in the Jewish community with digital skills, providing guidance on everything from increasing phone volume to specialised technology for disabilities or medical conditions. To end the day, on a high, the group visited the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre where they enjoyed live music and dancing with the members. These intergenerational connections allowed for the volunteers to learn more about the vital role the centres play in the lives of our members and at the same time experienced meaningful connections and were really impacted by the day. Nicole from Google said, “It was a really special and uplifting experience to meet the members and staff at Jewish Care and hear more about the great work and activities happening there. I had a fantastic time.” Josh from Schroders said, “It’s mutually beneficial. We gain so much hearing survivors stories, and it’s amazing to now be able to pass them on.” Melissa from Schroders said, “Thank you so much for the incredible volunteering day, it was so well planned and paced and everyone was so lovely to speak to. The day was extremely rewarding and has left a huge impression on me”. Our members felt the same, with Maurice sharing, “It is so nice that groups like this come to spend time with us.” A huge thank you to Google and Schroders for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. Your visit meant so much to our members, and we hope to welcome you back soon! If you would like Jewish Care to organise a bespoke, meaningful Corporate Volunteer Day for yourself or your team please contact lauren.posner@jcare.org. We would be happy to help! 🤗

At Jewish Care, we believe in sharing love and connection, especially today. 💜 Meet Cyril and Shirley, an extraordinary couple, whose 64 years of marriage are a testament to true devotion. 🤗 They’ve been inseparable for decades, and their bond has only grown stronger with time, but as Cyril’s health began to decline, with multiple hospital visits and growing needs, it became clear that staying at home wasn’t safe for him anymore. Almost a year ago, he made the move to Vi & John Rubens House care home. This was tough for both of them, as their daughter Danielle shares, “They’ve never been apart.” ❤️ Since Cyril’s move, Shirley has been committed to visiting him. “They are an incredibly devoted couple.” Shirely visits Cyril every day, without fail. “Mum goes there every day religiously, and it is very rare that Dad goes to sleep without calling her first to say goodnight.” Across all our care homes, maintaining family bonds is at the heart of what we do. Danielle says, “I have got to say, the home, and Jewish Care in general, make a real effort to look after us all, my Mum, and me, too.” “They have been an incredible support for the family. Even though my dad is the one living there, mum is invited to all the outings and meals there. As much as possible, she is able to share those moments with him.” When asking Shirely what her secret is to a long and happy marriage she shares, “It’s about being devoted to each other and always caring for our family. We’ve always looked after each other’s needs and been very supportive.” 🫶🏼 💜