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- Care for a Coffee, 27th October 2008
- Judith Rosenberg Trainee Social Worker Scholarship Accouncement , 7th October 2008
- East Renfrewshire Councul celebrates Jewish Care Scotland 150th Anniversary, 25th September 2008
- Jewish Care Scotland Annual General Meeting, 17th September 2008
- 2008 Annual Appeal for Donations. Launch, 7th September 2008
- New weekly Drop-In Centre for people with mental health issues, July 2008
- Start Walking- 2008 Fun Walk sponsored by Chessington Estates, 13th June 2008
- Mitzvah! Art Exhibition and cheque presentation, 3rd June 2008
- Social Care Agency Coffee Evening volunteer Week gathering celebrates 150 years of volunteering, 3rd June 2008
- Glasgow City Council celebrates Jewish Care Scotland 150th anniversary, 25th May 2008
- Out Now! A Caring Community ... 150 years of Jewish Care Scotland by Sharon Barron
- Kosher Kurry Night and launch of 2008 DVD, 3rd February 2008
- Jewish Care Scotland 150th anniversary year launch at the Tall Ship, 29th January 2008
- Tall Ship Re-enactment TV coverage
- Thistle Bowling Club- Equipped for new members
- Roundabout
Care for a Coffee, 27th October 2008
A coffee morning with a difference organized by Jewish Care Scotland volunteers Angela and Karen was held in Starbucks at Silverburn –Glasgow’s newest shopping mall- where manager Mike was delighted to help a good cause. Over 60 people enjoyed coffee, kosher cakes and some very special shopping at stalls provided by Passion Flowers, Prospero, SK Designs and Urban Gifts. Care for a Coffee raised over £1,500.
Angela said: “We’re delighted and thank everyone who helped and who came along and made the morning such a success.” Karen added: “Everyone’s efforts have been made even more worthwhile as an anonymous donor has matched our fundraising taking the total to over £3,000!”
Judith Rosenberg Trainee Social Worker Scholarship Announcement, 7th October 2008
A long serving welfare volunteer has endowed a trainee social worker scholarship for Scotland‘s largest Jewish welfare charity. Chief Executive of Jewish Care Scotland Ethne Woldman advised: “We keep under constant review our need for professionally qualified staff. Naomi Adams-Strump is the third Jewish Care Scotland social work trainee. She is following in the footsteps of Lesley Samuels who qualified in 2000 and Barbara Haniford who will qualify later this year. “
Naomi’s training has been gifted to Jewish Care Scotland by Judith Rosenberg whose own experience of welfare work embraces 38 years of volunteering with Jewish Care Scotland and its predecessor organisations. Judith made the decision to support professional training because she has seen its benefits first hand. Judith explained: “My early life experience in Hungary meant I never got the chance to go to university and have a professional career so it is very special to be in a position to give a young person today that opportunity. Training is so important. Apart from all the knowledge gained it gives you a chance to bond with others in a similar position. For volunteers, training brought us together. We all stand on the shoulders of our predecessors and I am proud of my contribution to Jewish Care Scotland. As time goes on, and as I continue my volunteering, I become more and more supportive of Jewish Care Scotland. I am very pleased to be making this extra contribution. It will help Jewish Care Scotland continue to serve the Jewish community in the best professional manner; keeping abreast of new knowledge and the changing needs of the community. Meeting Naomi was a special moment and I wish her every success. “
East Renfrewshire Council celebrates Jewish Care Scotland 150th Anniversary, 25th September 2008
East Renfrewshire Council’s Provost Alex Mackie hosted a civic dinner for 150 guests to honour Jewish Care Scotland‘s 150th anniversary year. The evening event was attended by volunteers, directors, staff, service users and guests including two young singers and a young cellist from Tirgu Mures in Hungary, who entertained with a recital of Jewish and classical songs and music.
During the evening Provost Mackie presented Jewish Care Scotland with a commemorative rose bowl. East Renfrewshire Council was presented with copies of A Caring Community…150 Years of Jewish Care Scotland for the Council’s libraries. Jewish Care Scotland presented a framed embroidery picture, entitled 21 Jewish Symbols. The embroidery was stitched over eighteen months by elderly members of the arts and crafts groups of Jewish Care Scotland’s Aviv and Thistle Clubs. Provost Mackie accepting the embroidery said: “It will have pride of place in the council offices.”
In welcoming the guests Provost Mackie said: “We at East Renfrewshire Council are extremely proud of our very special relationship with the Jewish community and particularly with our unique partnership with Jewish Care Scotland. All your endeavors at Jewish Care Scotland are vital and one of the hallmarks of the organization is the work done by the volunteers who are the true foot soldiers and heroes and heroines of the community. “
Responding Maureen Solomons, chair of Jewish Care Scotland, said:” We have enjoyed a unique partnership with East Renfrewshire Council and look forward to continuing this tradition for a great many years to come. “
Jewish Care Scotland Annual General Meeting, 17th September 2008
Maureen Solomons, chair of Jewish Care Scotland, welcomed guests to the 150th anniversary year Annual General Meeting held in Jewish Care Scotland’s premises on Wednesday 17th September 2008. While during the year there has been delight in celebrating the charity’s historic achievements, the Board of Directors is also focusing on the future. An Away-Day with a qualified facilitator will give directors an opportunity to consider and plan the organisation’s future so it can move forward with confidence that the charity is fit for purpose in the years ahead.
The meeting received and approved the financial accounts and heard reports from the company secretary, chair of the Social Care Agency and the chief executive.
Volunteer Natalie Cahif and social worker Barbara Haniford each spoke about their experience of Jewish Care Scotland offering insights into the rewards of volunteering and of assisting individuals and families who contact Jewish Care Scotland seeking help with all kinds of family and welfare issues and problems.
Maureen Solomons presented volunteer Alice Tankel with a certificate of thanks and a bouquet of flowers as she was stepping down from the Board of Directors. Alice first got involved with the Welfare Board in 1964 and over many years has served in a range of capacities. Alice was made an Honorary Vice President in recognition of her on-going contribution to Jewish Care Scotland.
Lesley Roles in making her report on the Social Care Agency’s activities over the year welcomed the increasing numbers of volunteers. She and others paid special tribute to the late Freda Jackson who is sadly missed and who infused the charity with her loving caring ways.
Ethne Woldman, chief executive, in her report highlighted the new weekly Drop-In Centre established for younger adults with mental health problems.
Elected: Chair, Maureen Solomons; vice-chairman, David Bishop; treasurer, George Hecht; company secretary, Trevor Schuster-Davis; Social Care Agency Chair, Lesley Roles.
Board of Directors: David Bishop, Colin Black, Sylvia Cohen, Angela Hecht, George Hecht, Paul Morron, Lesley Roles, Trevor Schuster-Davis, Maureen Solomons, Vivian Strang, Albert Tankel
2008 Annual Appeal for Donations. Launch, 9th September 2008
One in ten Jewish people will seek Jewish Care Scotland’s support this year
That’s the statistic behind Jewish Care Scotland’s 2008 Annual Appeal for donations. And the current downturn in the economy will bring added pressure to the charity, which currently helps 600 individuals and families in need in the community every year.
Maureen Solomons, Chair of Jewish Care Scotland says: “The downturn in the economy is affecting our community. Sadly we need to raise more money this year to help those who are affected by this situation. We are asking for everyone in our community to give their support and make their donation now to the 2008 Annual Appeal.”
“The level of service we offer is of the highest standard. It’s a service tailored to the needs of people who seek and need support. This year Jewish Care Scotland is marking 150 years of continuous caring- a proud and impressive history of welfare that has only been possible thanks to the sustained tradition of charitable giving by our parents and grandparents to the Annual Appeal.
Donations to the 2008 Annual Appeal will fund professional social workers who respond and work with individuals and families, including those with specialist knowledge in debt management, mental health and care in the community for older people.
Jewish Care Scotland supports people coping with short term financial and domestic crises, individuals and families managing long term physical or mental illness and some who need assistance to re-establish themselves following divorce or other unexpected trauma. The charity works with people coping with drug dependency and some with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorders. There is support too for a number of people with terminal illness with no immediate family.
Donations will fund the Day Centre and Clubs and the Meals on Wheels service. Loneliness, physical disabilities and dementia are a reality for many and the charity ensures that twice weekly, throughout the year, life as stimulating, interesting and enjoyable as possible for people experiencing these problems. These services are a lifeline for over 200 people who come every week to the Day Centre and clubs and enjoy a wide range of activities including therapies and speakers; marking the festivals and going on annual outings. Annual Appeal donations help ensure these programmes continue.
2008 Annual Appeal
Messages of support
Pauline in England telephoned about her aunt:
“I have been in contact with Jewish Care Scotland for over five years in connection with my aunt who is nearly 93. I am her carer and her guardian. Jewish Care Scotland gives me a point of contact that is trustworthy, stable and always there. When something happens and I can’t get to Glasgow I have contact and above all the peace of mind that something will transpire which is absolutely marvellous. For people like me, the closest relative out of town, Jewish Care Scotland is terribly important. “
Angela in Canada emailed about her father:
“Jewish Care Scotland in general, and the social worker in particular, has done an outstanding job including arranging all important after care following a stay in hospital. The care and thought put into selecting a suitable “volunteer buddy” for regular companionship and dealing with last minute crisis has been a lifeline to myself and to my dad. My father is a very private and proud man. For him to have been willing for me to contribute to this appeal is testimony to the gratitude that he has for Jewish Care Scotland.”
Mrs D explains her experience:
“I turned to Jewish Care Scotland when I found myself falling into serious debt. I was a working single mother of three children, with outgoings higher than my earnings and benefits combined. Over the last 16 months I have been helped with specialist advice and support, which means I have been able to keep my family together with a roof over our heads and benefited from the emotional support which has helped me through the most awful of times.”
For further information please email us or contact us directly on 01 41 620 1800.
New weekly Drop-In Centre for people with mental health issues, July 2008
Jewish Care Scotland and Cosgrove Care are jointly running a new pilot Drop-In-Centre providing a weekly social evening for Jewish adults with mental health problems.
Jewish Care Scotland’s chief executive, Ethne Woldman said: “One in four adults experiencing mental health difficulties will use mental health services at some time in their life. This statistic applies as much to the Jewish community as elsewhere. Over my 12 years at Jewish Care Scotland I have been very aware that this problem often remains hidden when in fact so much can be done not only to improve the quality of life of people but also to overcome some of the difficulties that seem insurmountable. I would encourage people in the community to get in touch and drop in.”
Ann Scott, Chief Executive of Cosgrove Care explained: “A significant proportion of GP’s time is taken up with mental health problems. By helping individuals access professional support in an informal and social setting, this project can help alleviate early stage mental health issues and assist in the social isolation often felt by people with these problems.”
The Drop-In-Centre has been on the go since early March 2008 run by Christina Robb, Senior Social Worker and Mental Health Officer with East Renfrewshire Council and Jewish Care Scotland and Linda Walker, J. Mind Manager (the mental health service of Cosgrove Care).
Linda said: “The Drop-In-Centre has been going really well with up to 9 people coming along. The idea is to be very informal and as welcoming as possible, to be a place where people can relax, be sociable and meet people who share an understanding of their mental health problems.”
An attendee said:
“The Drop-In-Centre is the best thing that has ever happened. Through the group I have made friends and two of us have been swimming together which is great.”
Another described the impact of the Drop-In-Centre:
“Recently Thursday evening has turned out to be my favourite evening of the week. It’s a fact that some of us become very isolated through our illness as society can stigmatise us and does not accept us - so it is a real change, once a week, to be made to feel wonderful and wanted.”
“The professional staff are so welcoming, they make you feel at ease and the evening is full of treats and surprises. We have a choice of health treatments such as back massage, facials, nail treatments – all done by professional beauticians and it is all free. There is a wide range of social games going on too, like Frustration and Pub Quizzes and sometimes we do other activities like creative writing and art.”
Another participant described how when she repeated a creative painting session at home with her spouse it brought about better and more harmonious communication where there had been very little before.
And one attendee added:
“To end the evening we get another treat of a wonderful cooked meal. The food is delightful, so tasty. Every week there is something different on the menu and all for the price of £2.50. For me it is especially nice to get someone else to cook for me. I am a single mum with no family in this country and I always have to fuss about meals for my daughter and me. On Thursday, for a change, I feel number one: everyone and everything going on is to please and spoil me. I even do not have to worry about catching a late bus home; the project organises transport home.”
Christina said: “Social isolation is a big problem for many Jewish people coping with mental health problems so we are delighted to be running this pilot project as we feel it is addressing a real gap in the provision of this type of service locally. We contacted people we knew to establish the pilot project. Now we would be very pleased to hear from anyone wanting more information or interested in coming along. All calls are confidential. Contact Linda Walker on 0141 620 0013 or me on 0141 620 1800. “
An Amazing Feet! Record Turnout for 2008 Chessington Estates Jewish Care Scotland Fun Walk Sunday 15th June 2008
Fun Walk volunteer organiser, Sharon Shear, took up the challenge of Jewish Care Scotland’s 150th anniversary year and called on the community to join in and make this special year a bumper year….and they did….walkers of all ages… from toddlers to great-grandparents, Jewish Care Scotland volunteers and staff...families….youngsters from youth and community groups…rabbis and synagogue congregants… all joined forces and to the sound of the JLGB bagpipes took on the 4 and 8 mile routes round Giffnock and Newton Mearns enjoying good company, sunny weather and the leafy highways and parks.
At the end of the day- refreshed with donated bottled water, smoked salmon bagels, teas and coffees- walkers and volunteers went home knowing they had raised a fantastic record sum of over £20,000- all of which will be used to help fund Jewish Care Scotland’s services over the year.
Sharon said: “For the first time we welcomed a Walk Sponsor, Chessington Estates. Their sponsorship meant we could spread the word further about the walk and it means we know every penny raised by walkers will be used to deliver the much support and valued welfare services that help Jewish people in need in Scotland.”
And Sharon will be encouraging us again next year to take to the streets on Sunday 14 June 2009 so we can all help to raise those vital £ounds for Jewish Care Scotland-
Raising walk sponsorship the internet way…..With the click of a button you can set up your own fundraising page for your own personal sponsors- anywhere in the world! Just click on the button below to get started. It’s a super fun event- you get a bit fitter, meet lots of people and help raise much-needed funds for Jewish people in need in Scotland! So what are you waiting for?
Mitzvah! Art Exhibition and Sale in Aid of Jewish Care Scotland and Cosgrove Care, 6th April 2008
On Tuesday Volunteers Vivian Strang and Vivian Greenhill proudly presented a GIANT cheque for £13,250.30 to Jewish Care Scotland and Cosgrove Care.
The charities benefited from the proceeds from the highly successful Mitzvah! Art Exhibition and Sale held on Sunday 6 April 2008.
With a small team the two Vivians organised this new fundraising event in Jewish Care Scotland’s Day Centre, which was transformed into a gallery for the day. Works of sale came from 35 artists from the community along with works by Cosgrove Care and Jewish Care Scotland arts and crafts groups. Each artist donated at least one work and additional funds were raised through a raffle, sponsorship, catalogue advertising and donations in kind.
Feedback on the day was very positive. Vivian Greenhill said: “We are delighted with the outcome. The day was a social, marketing and a financial success. The artists were very pleased with the professional display of their work and we had a good number of viewers. A number of purchasers have told us how much they are now enjoying their new artworks.”
Vivian Strang added: “We are delighted the charities are benefiting from these much needed funds which will help them continue to provide the quality care we need for people in need in our community.”
Social Care Agency Coffee Evening celebrates 150 years of volunteering, 3rd June 2008
East Renfrewshire Health and Care Partnership Director Julie Murray, guest of honour at the Social Care Agency 150th anniversary year coffee evening said: “ Jewish Care Scotland and its volunteer Social Care Agency is a model for community welfare.”
80 of the now well over 100 volunteers gathered also heard Julie say:” East Renfrewshire Council is very proud of its unique partnership with Jewish Care Scotland and recognizes the huge amount of added value the charity and its volunteers contribute. “
Lesley Roles Chair of the Social Care Agency welcomed volunteers and guests. She looked back over 150 years of volunteering and celebrated the qualities of passion, the sense of obligation, vision and deep sense of caring demonstrated year after year by volunteer after volunteer.
Freda Jackson, former chair of the Welfare Board, had the audience spellbound with her impromptu personal memories of volunteering over 50 years. She contrasted the Welfare Board premises in Coplaw Street and the current comfortable Walton Community Care Centre. She told guests: “In days gone by, the then handful of volunteers was concerned with different issues. Poverty was accepted. Moving from the Gorbals to Shawlands was like moving to heaven. The mezuzah had to be on the door before families moved in- if there was no hammer I used my shoe!”
Guest speaker, volunteer baker and former director of Jewish Care Scotland David Strang, reduced the audience to tears of laughter with his witty after tea speech gently satirizing the Agency volunteer committees.
(Everyone at Jewish Care Scotland was saddened by the death of Freda Jackson a few weeks later in July 2008. An obituary recording her achievements and contribution to welfare was published in The Jewish Telegraph on Friday 18th July 2008 and in The Glasgow Herald on Tuesday August 5th 2008).
Glasgow City Council honours Jewish Care Scotland 150th anniversary, 25th May 2008
Past and present staff, volunteers, Directors and club members, with councilors and representatives of Social Work services enjoyed a sparkling evening in Glasgow’s City Chambers as guests of Glasgow City Council’s Deputy Lord Provost, Baillie Allan Stewart to mark 150 years of caring by Jewish Care Scotland and its predecessor organizations.
Baillie Stewart said: “Since 1858 volunteers have given time and service to your community .Glasgow City Council retains a high regard for the work you undertake on behalf of some of the city’s elderly population. Jewish Care Scotland has made a fantastic contribution to the city and the country as a whole and is well worthy of the honour bestowed upon it.”
Maureen Solomons, chair of Jewish Care Scotland, responded: “We have a proud record of unbroken, continuous care in the community since 1858 when a handful of Jews, in the then tiny community, met with the intention of helping those less fortunate than themselves. Jewish immigrants, many escaping persecution, received a warm welcome typical of Glasgow and were able to establish themselves free from harassment and discrimination. We have always remained steadfast in our purpose in continuing to help those fleeing maltreatment. We are thrilled to celebrate our 150th anniversary in this magnificent setting and look forward to continue working in partnership with our fellow Glaswegians”
Maureen Solomons presented copies of A Caring community…150 years of Jewish Care Scotland a new book written by volunteer Sharon Barron who spoke about the early years of Jewish welfare in Glasgow.
Out Now! A Caring Community ... 150 years of Jewish Care Scotland by Sharon Barron
A Caring Community...150 years of Jewish Care Scotland treats us to glimpses and pictures from the past and then guides us through to the present day. Profiles bring to life many of the characters involved in all aspects of the organisation of the day. Case details give insights into the many problems experienced while also providing a picture of past times. 
The role of women, the continuity of family support, fundraising and the changing nature of welfare needed by families, refugees, the elderly and ill are all featured. The book highlights the various caring organisations that evolved into the professional service we have today. Running through the book is a timeline of world events and one of Scottish Jewish welfare events.
The book is a packed full with the history of welfare and is also very much a history of the Jewish people in Glasgow, Scotland's largest Jewish community.
It is written in an accessible way and attractively presented, with full colour illustrations throughout.
Author, Sharon Barron, is a volunteer with Jewish Care Scotland. A librarian by profession, Sharon is also a published author. Over the course of a year she undertook the research and writing for the book on a voluntary basis so that A Caring Community...150 years of Jewish Care Scotland could be published this year to coincide with Jewish Care Scotland's 150th anniversary year celebrations.
Sharon drew on the historic resources and photographic collections of the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre along with a number of personal reminiscences from former staff, volunteers, board members, friends and people whose family's were recipients of welfare support.
A Caring Community...150 years of Jewish Care Scotland is A4 size, 55 pages with a softback cover and is available from Jewish Care Scotland, The Walton Community Care Centre, May Terrace, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6LD.Tel: 0141 620 1800 Fax: 0141 620 2409.
Price is £10.00 per copy plus post and packaging Copies can be ordered on our website www.jcarescot.org.uk by emailing admin@jcarescot.org.uk to purchase the book.
Kosher Kurry Night and launch of 2008 DVD, 3rd February 2008
A Kosher Kurry night organised by volunteers George Hecht and David Kaye attracted 150 guests to the Kurry Karaoke by The Tall Ship. Guests, sponsors and donors helped raise much needed funds for Jewish Care Scotland and got George and David well on the way to raise £150,000 for Jewish Care Scotland in its 150th year!
During the evening guests watched the premiere viewing of Jewish Care Scotland’s 2008 DVD. The 9 minute film, narrated by Maureen Lipman, gives an insight in just 9 minutes into the work and services of Jewish Care Scotland. If you haven’t had a chance to see it do call the office on 0141 620 1800 to obtain your copy free of charge.
Maureen Solomons chair of Jewish Care Scotland told guests:”I can only add the demand for all our services is constantly growing.”
Jewish Care Scotland 150th anniversary year launch at the Tall Ship, 29th January 2008
They could never have known that the welfare society they started modestly all those years ago would still be functioning in 2008, albeit renamed and transformed beyond recognition. The Glasgow Hebrew Philanthropic Society was first recorded in 1858, trying to alleviate poverty and distress among the poor immigrant Jewish community who had settled in the west of Scotland and Glasgow, mainly to escape pogroms across Russia. Today, Jewish Care Scotland is still helping new Jewish immigrants to settle in Scotland 150 years later, as well as supporting Scottish Jewish families in need wherever they are in Scotland.
Chair of Jewish Care Scotland Maureen Solomons launching the year long celebrations said: “Jewish Care Scotland today prides itself in carrying on the traditions of the Glasgow Hebrew Philanthropic Society, supporting people in the community in a compassionate and professional way.
On 29th January 2008 at 10.30am on the Tall Ship, Glasgow, descendants of both the early Jewish philanthropists and refugees donned costumes of the period to commemorate symbolically the arrival in Glasgow of thousands of Jewish refugees between the 1850s and early 1900s where many of the arrivals sought work in the tailoring and ironmongery trades.
Deputy Lord Provost of Glasgow City Council Bailie Allan Stewart and Provost of East Renfrewshire Council Alex Mackie were also on the quayside, representing the welcome their authorities and communities have given over the 150 years.
Bailie Stewart said, “Our Jewish citizens have helped enrich Glasgow culturally and financially over the years. I am proud as Deputy Lord Provost to be at the Tall Ship to commemorate the arrival of your refugee antecedents 150 years ago. Jewish Care Scotland does so much important work looking after needy people with humility and compassion. This is an emotional day for the Jewish community and I am indeed honoured to be here.”
Provost Mackie said, “As home to Scotland’s largest Jewish community, we recall the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the body that became Jewish Care Scotland. East Renfrewshire enjoys a mutual, beneficial and very practical relationship with Jewish Care Scotland - and that is in the best traditions established when it was founded - and Jewish people arriving in our area looked for support and welcome. We are happy to continue to provide that welcome by supporting the excellent work that the charity continues to do, by basing social work staff within Jewish Care Scotland and by meeting the kosher catering needs of its clients.”
Three families of today’s Jewish asylum seekers were also present, as well some of the beneficiaries of the services provided by Jewish Care Scotland today.
The Tall Ship 150th Anniversary re-enactment, 29th January 2008
A veritable deluge of Scottish rain greeted our “refugees” arriving in Glasgow for the first time – however the civic welcome more than made up for that!
To watch the STV coverage on Scotland Today, click here. This may take a moment or two to appear.
The following pictures of the event are by Alistair Sinclair and Hugh Dougherty.
A warm welcome to Glasgow...
The big adventure begins...
Four year old Baila thinks about her new home...
Where do we go now?
Is the weather always like this?
Thistle Bowling Club- Equipped for new members
Within the many and varied activities of Jewish Care Scotland is the indoor bowling club which meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings. The club now has five carpets and all the equipment including bowls. New members are welcome to join in this very pleasant pastime…..so why not give us a call on 620 1800 and you can bowl along and see for yourself!
Roundabout
The latest edition of 'Roundabout' is out and about - check out the Walton Community Care Centre tables! Editors Bob Kutner and Pamela Levin have been scurrying about gathering scandalous stories and more awful jokes! (Sorry Bob we don’t mean that - really.)
It’s a great read and you can find out a bit about Jewish Care Scotland too. Call us on 0141 260 1800 or email us at admin@jcarescot.org.uk for a copy.
In a few months the presses will be rolling again so club members be inspired, sharpen your pens and give Bob and Pamela a piece of your mind!