Story to delight the Angels
WHEN SONIA Lerner’s mum, Lottie Lewis, was diagnosed with vascular dementia and became more isolated, the family approached Jewish Care.
The assistance that ensued was related by Mrs Lerner to the 200 guests at a lunch held by Local Angels, which supports the charity’s Redbridge services.
She recalled that her mother benefited greatly from attending Jewish Care’s Dennis Centre for those living with dementia, enjoying “a hot meal, activities and, most importantly, the social interaction she needed.
“When I visited her there one day, I was so impressed with the friendliness of staff and volunteers and I was amazed to see my mother participating in a lively quiz and answering questions.
“Jewish Care were with us every step of the way and it was very important to her to be in a home [she moved into Rosetrees in Friern Barnet] where the food was kosher and where she could celebrate all the Jewish festivals. The staff were wonderful, allowing her to be herself and always taking account of her personal preferences. Mum spent her final four years there and we always felt comforted that she was in a safe and caring environment.”
The lunch, held at the Marriott
Waltham Abbey, also featured a discussion between journalist and broadcaster Nick Ferrari and Local Angels member Karen Leibovitch.
“I have a lot in common with the Jewish community because of my Italian background, where it’s also always family first,” Mr Ferrari said.
“I think the work the community does for charity is especially outstanding. It’s a total privilege to be here to get a better understanding of the work Jewish Care does, which is of irreplaceable value.”
More than £33,000 was raised and the annual lunch has generated in excess of £300,000 over the past decade.
The funding has supported activities including the weekly Memory Way Café at the Dennis Centre, care buses and teas for Holocaust survivors.