Jewish Care shines a light on its volunteers at awards evening

The chair of the UK’s largest Jewish health and social care charity in London and the southeast said the organisation “simply couldn’t do what we do” without its 3,000 volunteers.

Marcus Sperber, who is at the helm of Jewish Care, said: “Jewish Care simply couldn’t do what we do without the committed volunteers who support our members, residents, clients, tenants and their relatives every day.

“We appreciate just how lucky Jewish Care and Jami are to have these incredible volunteers who give through their selflessness and the willingness to help others, without expecting anything in return. It is a testament to the values we hold dear – compassion, empathy, and the desire to improve the lives of those in need of support.”

Jewish Care supports 12,000 people every week. Jami, which is now part of Jewish Care, is currently working with 1,650 young people and adults experiencing mental health challenges.

Sperber was speaking at the Betty and Aubrey Lynes Volunteer Awards evening, where the contributions of 23 volunteers were highlighted.

Held at the Wohl Synagogue at Jewish Care’s Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Colney Hatch, north London, the event was compered by TV and radio scriptwriter Ivor Baddiel.

Among the recipients was Dave Richman, who won an Unsung Hero Award. Dave supports members at Jami’s Finchley community hub, and as a befriending volunteer, he makes regular visits to a secure psychiatric unit. He visits one gentleman who was experiencing antisemitism, who said: “Without Dave's visits and interactions, I doubt I would still be here. Dave was and is my lifeline."

Jami’s northwest area coordinator, Andrew Barbarash and colleague Tracey Davidson said in a joint statement: “Dave is a genuine non-judgemental, compassionate manm who goes above and beyond for the benefit of the individual.”

Dave is also one of the leads of the Jews with Views current affairs discussion group at Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre.

He said: “I get so much satisfaction from volunteering. At Jami’s Finchley hub and compeer befriending, you meet people who you build up relationships with, and who become your friends. The most rewarding part of the hospital visiting is when you meet a patient who eventually opens up after what can be months of very little interaction. Seeing a person recover from being at rock bottom is very heart warming.

“I am also privileged and inspired to hear a unique perspective in the views of the survivors at Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre and feel I am fortunate to be taking part.”

(l-r) Ivor Baddiel, Dave Richman, Jami's volunteer coordinator Sophie Chappell, Jewish Care's chairman, Marcus Sperber (Photo: Claire Jonas Photography)

The other Unsung Hero Award went to Troy Tate, who volunteers at Jewish Care’s Sunridge Court care home, where he chats with residents, plays board games and runs music session and quizzes.

The Young Volunteer Team award went to Evie Rosen, 13, and Meir Field, 15, who have been volunteering at Jewish Care’s Michael Sobell Community Centre during the school holidays for the past couple of years.

Meir is also a participant in the MIKE Youth Leadership training programme that Jewish Care runs in Sandringham, enabling young people to build skills and confidence.

Meir said: “I enjoy volunteering as I like helping people. It also helps with my own self-confidence and to speak more confidently with others."

Meir’s mum, Emma, added: "Seeing Meir go off to volunteer during his free time is a wonderful thing. It is teaching him life skills and giving him interpersonal experiences. He gets to give back to the community and gains by learning from the members and the staff."

Evie told the JC: “I’m really proud and happy about winning an award and I love volunteering at Jewish Care and seeing the smile on people’s faces when I help out and ask how their day is.”

Young Volunteers Team Award recipients, Meir Field and Evie Rosen, with Ivor Baddiel (left), Jewish Care's Jojo Dando (second from left), Clare Leahy (third from right) and Jewish Care's chairman Marcus Sperber (right) (Photo: Claire Jonas Photography)

The Sonia Douek Volunteer of the Year Award in memory of Jewish Care’s former head of volunteering and community development, went to Pam Tomback, who has been volunteering for several years at Jewish Care’s Cockfosters tea parties. Pam who has MS, sometimes even heads a team from hospital.

Sonia’s daughter, Michelle Weiner, said of her mum Sonia and winner Pam: “In her three-year fight with cancer, she did not let hospital stays prevent her continuing with her work and creativity. This year’s winner, Pam, is an exceptional lady, who continues to manage events, sometimes from hospital, coordinating a large team and reaching those most isolated in the community, inspiring everyone around her with her dedication and hospitality.”

Alison Smardina, the regional communities programme coordinator, who nominated Pam, said: “Pam…is an exceptional volunteer who gives so much go the community, making sure all participants can attend, regardless of snow, rain or sunshine.”

Pam Tomback (centre), recipient of the Sonia Douek Volunteer of the Year Award, with her husband,David, and Jamie Field, Jewish Care's head of community services & volunteering (Photo: Claire Jonas Photography)

Team of the Year Award went to Roz Nelson and Deborah Woolf, who volunteer at Head Room, Jami’s café in Golders Green.

The café’s Daniel Neis and Gideon Levy said in a joint statement: “Since 2016, when the café was founded, Roz and Deborah have been instrumental in nurturing the community from its humble beginnings to the thriving community it is today, transforming our community from a handful to hundreds of active participants in the community programme.

"Their inclusive approach has been key to creating a welcoming space for people facing significant isolation; for many, Head Room café is their primary social contact and has attracted a diverse group.”

Jo Selwyn, Jewish Care’s manager of the volunteering department, said after the awards evening: “This is the highlight of our year, and it is fantastic to be able to celebrate the dedication and commitment of our amazing volunteers who give back to our community each day. We couldn’t do what we do as an organisation without them.”

Jewish Care’s Betty and Aubrey Lynes Volunteer Awards

Unsung Hero Award - Dave Richman, Troy Tate

Young Volunteer Team – Evie Rosen and Meir Field

The Sonia Douek Volunteer of the Year Award – Pam Tomback

Team of the Year Award – Roz Nelson and Deborah Woolf

Best Newcomer Award – Andrew Simmons and Lily Sherling

Distinctively Jewish Award – Mervyn Beth

Youth Award – Freddie Spiller

Outstanding Fundraiser Award – Patsy Bloom

Chief Executive’s Special Recognition Award – Jon Gershinson

Awards for Contribution to Operational Services – Jane Rosenbaum and Muriel Mizrahi

Innovation and Creative Project Award – The Allotment Team at Piaf’s Garden at Jewish Care’s Sandringham and Janice Field