Caring and Chanukah come together for older people this month

two older people dance with school pupils in uniform — Sam Beckman centre for people living with dementia members dancing with JCoSS students at Chanukah party

This Chanukah Jewish Care, the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East, is celebrating Chanucare, brightening up the lives of community centre members and care home residents and ensuring that they can celebrate and enjoy meaningful activities during the eight days

The Jewish Community Secondary School choir visited members of Jewish Care’s Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia in Friern Barnet, to sing, chat and celebrate Chanukah together. The members also enjoyed a Chanucare session ran by Hartbeeps, who run weekly intergenerational music and sensory sessions with babies and their parents.

The mayor of Barnet, Councillor Nagus Narenthira, joined tenants, staff, and volunteers at Jewish Care’s Wohl Court Retirement Living apartments in Hendon for their Chanukah party and lighting.

Across Jewish Care there are celebrations, with candle-lighting, latkes and doughnuts across the charity’s community centres, dementia day centres, care homes and retirement living schemes. Care buses have been bringing people to the services so everyone can enjoy gathering together for Chanukah. Meals on Wheels clients will also receive doughnuts delivered by volunteers.

Richard Shone, director of community Services, volunteering, social work & hospitality, said: “The critical services that Jewish Care provides enable people to remain in touch with their Jewish identity, to live with dignity and receive the care and support they need.

“We know we are stronger when we look after each other and we thank the community for the kindness and generosity which help us to strengthen and support older people to shine bright in our community.”

Jewish Care are inviting donations to their Chanucare appeal at jewishcare.org/chanucare or call 020 8922 2600.

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