JLGB prepares for new era

JLGB WILL embark on a new era when physical activities across the country resume around the beginning of May.

Although the pandemic had necessitated a very different celebration of its 125th anniversary, the lockdown periods afforded leaders more time to focus on a relaunch which will see a standardised programme across all its groups.

Although physical meetings are permitted from next Monday, chief executive Neil Martin explained that shuls and other sites used for meetings were reopening after a long period of closure and it was sensible to allow some breathing space. JLGB had been in contact with the venues to put plans in place.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve done during lockdown but we’re reopening with a new, fit-for-purpose programme,” consistent for every group. “We are coming back as a completely upgraded organisation and the aim is to get things open as soon as possible.”

With its responsibility for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Yoni Jesner Awards and the National Citizen Service, the organisation now touches the lives of around 4,000 young people.

Mr Martin added that members were involved in “every single aspect” of JLGB planning and the move to a paper-less operation would make it “much easier for groups to be run by 16-year-olds rather than by 70-year-olds”.

It would also be “easier than ever to open a branch and to have pop-up centres in smaller communities”.