Jewish Care is to resume in-person activities for its Redbridge Jewish Community Centre clients in a new location — Woodford Forest United Synagogue.
The move comes as the charity has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a new campus on RJCC’s Sinclair House site.
Jewish Care’s Mike youth leadership programme is already meeting at the shul.
It is hoped activities for RJCC’s day centre members will restart early in 2022 and staff recruitment is progressing.
The charity points out that the shul is well served by public transport and there is some on-site parking.
Jewish Care community development director Richard Shone welcomed the interim arrangement with Woodford Forest, adding that a community events programme would start later this month.
“In addition, we are delighted that when the RJCC day centre resumes activity, it will incorporate the Tuesday Club, previously run by Woodford Forest. Tuesday Club members will be welcome to also attend the day centre programmes.”
Mr Shone stressed that Jewish Care was “100 per cent committed to the development of a new campus in Redbridge on the Sinclair House site
“This is not just about physical infrastructure but development of the right services to meet current and future demand for the local community in Essex.
“Following a positive pre-planning application meeting with the London Borough of Redbridge, we are now looking at how we progress to the next stage with our proposed development.”
Woodford Forest chair Robin Jacobs said the shul prided itself “on being a warm and welcoming community. So this is a very exciting opportunity for the two organisations to work together for the benefit of the Jewish community in Redbridge.”
The charity’s meals-on-wheels, telephone befriending and online programming and events will be available for those unable to attend in-person activities.