2 min read
Jewish Care has played a role in my life for 30 years, since I started going to what was then Sinclair House club at 15 years old. I spent many of my happiest moments and formed lifelong friendships in my teenage years with members of the club, on weekends away, youth leadership training and leading younger club members, growing in my sense of confidence and community. By the time I was 22 and working full-time at the centre, it had fully merged with Jewish Care to become Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre (RJCC). From managing the community centre, I moved to the fundraising team, eventually taking on the role as director which brought me to where I am today, as CEO.
My involvement with RJCC/Jewish Care led not only to meeting my wife in Israel, but also to dedicating my career to working in the community on my return. My life would have been very different had it not been for this unique youth training programme — now the Mike leadership programme — and for the presence of an Israeli shaliach who still plays an important role at RJCC today, creating connections for our youth in Redbridge with Israel. Many hundreds of young people in Redbridge have had the opportunity to visit Israel because of it.
I am so proud to be CEO of this amazing organisation, which really does deliver vital services to thousands of people across the Jewish community. The Jewish community and Jewish Care have a deep-rooted, symbiotic relationship, with an understanding that we both need each other.
At different stages in their lives, people from across the community turn to Jewish Care for support. In return, Jewish Care relies on the community to support its services. With more than 70 health and social care services, including ten residential care homes, the organisation touches the lives of 10,000 people every week. Our 3,000 volunteers support 1,300 staff in the delivery of these services.
Our work would not be possible without the kindness and generosity of our supporters and volunteers and the partnership they have with our fantastic experienced, professional staff from 70 nations.
Through our helpline, social work and community support team, centres for people living with dementia and Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, we are here for the community in the most difficult of times. At the core of our approach is a recognition that older people have so much to offer and we pride ourselves on ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful life. Our wrap-around care is unique and seen by many as a model for the future of social care.
The “Jewish” in Jewish Care shapes everything about the way we work and we represent the spectrum of Judaism. We often see members of our day centres and residents living in our homes reunite with those they knew from Hebrew classes, boys’ and girls’ clubs or the dances they attended in their youth. There are wonderful reunions, friendships reborn and connections made. Around Shabbat and festivals, intergenerational visits from children to sing festival songs have a positive effect on the wellbeing of everyone involved. This is what makes us different from other care home providers.
I grew up in Ilford, son of an Indianborn mother and Ashkenazi father. I went to both Ilford County Grammar and Beal High Schools. I still live in the area and, together with my wife Naomi, have raised three boys, aged 18, 15 and 12. As a result, much of our spare time is focused on whatever the children’s activities are, but when I do have a little time to myself, I like to run (having done the London Marathon in 2017 for Jewish Care) and follow the best football team in London (readers can guess which one!).
To donate, volunteer or get involved: jewishcare.org, 020 8922 2000
For advice and support: helpline@jcare.org, 020 8922 2222
Registered charity 802559