Kisharon projects "which will revolutionise provision in our community" were outlined at the learning disability charity's gala dinner in central London on Sunday.

Addressing more than 600 supporters, chief executive Dr Beverley Jacobson announced that, in addition to expanding Kisharon Day School, there were plans to redevelop its Hanna Schwalbe care home, set up Kisharon College in Stamford Hill for Orthodox adults with learning disabilities and launch a helpline. A partnership with the Jewish Community Housing Association would result in an extra 16 units of supported living accommodation in Golders Green.

"With all our projects, we are working collaboratively with other charities and community groups to make efficient use of resources, while securing the greatest benefit for the people we support," Dr Jacobson said.

"Jewish Care, JCHA, Langdon and the Jewish Leadership Council have positively demonstrated through Kisharon just how effectively we can come together for the benefit of all in our community."

Making the appeal, Emma Castelton, mother of a child at the day school, said the charity was hoping to raise 40 per cent of its £1.7 million target for the new projects on the night -in the event, more than £700,000 was generated.

"I'm inviting you tonight to see what I see," she said. "A magical, aspirational, inspirational place that all of us in this room share, sustain, develop, nurture and grow. Kisharon is that place."

Entertainment was provided by actress and comedian Meera Syal, who felt "very at home" as "Jews and Indians have so much in common. Food, mother complexes, guilt, emotional blackmail, bad at sport, hypochondriacs.

"[We] want our kids to be doctors - or marry one."