Jewish Care
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Jewish Care is a British charity, working mainly in London and South East England, providing health and social welfare support services for vulnerable members of the Jewish community.[1]
The charity runs over 70 centres and services which include care homes, community centres and services such as support groups, a family carers team and telephone helpline.[1]
The organisation touches the lives of more than 10,000 people every week operating with the belief that Jewish people should have access to specialist services that are designed to meet their needs. This is reflected in the care it provides which recognises traditions, beliefs and cultures, which are frequently shared by Jewish people. Jewish festivals, including the weekly Sabbath, are celebrated in Jewish Care homes and community centres.
Care is provided regardless of the level or nature of an individual’s religious observance. In doing so, Jewish Care recognises people’s differences as well as their similarities.
The charity has 1,400 staff and 3,000 volunteers.[1]
Services
Jewish Care provides services for:
- Older people
- People with mental health problems
- People with a physical or sensory disability, including those who are visually impaired
- Holocaust survivors and refugees
- People caring for others (Carers)
- Younger people
The charity also has a dedicated support and advice line for referrals and service information
Board of Trustees
Chairman Steven Lewis[2]
Vice Chairs Debra Fox, Arnold Wagner OBE
Treasurers Michael Blake, Simon Friend
Trustees Linda Bogod, Michael Brodtman, Rachel Anticoni, Linda Bogod, Michael Brodtman, Antony Grossman, Gayle Klein, Douglas Krikler, Lord Livingston of Parkhead, Nicola Loftus, Dr Dean Noimark, Stuart Roden.
Chief Executive Simon Morris
President Lord Levy
Honorary Presidents Lord Young of Graffham, Dame Gail Ronson, Stephen Zimmerman
Quotes
Tony Blair, when he was British Prime Minister, said of the charity: "Jewish Care is not just Jewish values in action; it is actually the best of British values in action. You can be really, really proud of the work that you do."[3]
Jewish Care is one of the 100 largest UK charitable organisations ranked by annual expenditure.[4]
History
The charity was formed in 1990 by the merger of:
- Jewish Welfare Board
- Jewish Blind Society
Since then, nine more charities have merged with it, including:
- The Jewish Home and Hospital at Tottenham
- Food for the Jewish Poor (a soup kitchen)
- British Tay-Sachs Foundation
- Clore Manor (Friends of the London Jewish Hospital)
- Hyman Fine House
- Stepney Jewish (B'nai B'rith) Clubs and Settlements
- Sinclair House — Redbridge Jewish Youth and Community Centre
Jewish Care operates in association with:
- Otto Schiff Housing Association
- JAMI (Jewish Mental Health Organisation)
The Jewish Board of Guardians, founded in London in 1859, was one of the oldest of the charities from which Jewish Care has descended. Gail Ronson took part in organising the celebration of the 125th anniversary of Jewish Care, in 1983, which was attended by Prince Charles and Princess Diana.[5]
References
- ^ a b c "About Us". Jewish Care. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
- ^ Sandy Rashty (6 June 2014). "Jewish Care charity chair steps out of the shadows". Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
- ^ Tony Blair (15 May 2006). "Speech to Jewish Care". 10 Downing Street. Archived from the original on 8 August 2007.
- ^ Charities Direct: Top 500 Charities - Expenditure
- ^ Round, Simon (25 February 2010). "Interview: Gail Ronson". The Jewish Chronicle online. Retrieved 27 June 2016.