We’re rebuilding futures through unity
IN THE landscape of charitable organisations, the merger of Kisharon and Langdon in 2023 marked a key moment. Now, as we stride into 2024, Kisharon Langdon stands as a testament to the commitment of an organisation that understands the intricacies of its purpose. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” acknowledges Kisharon Langdon CEO, Richard Franklin, given the delicate balance between merging entities and sustaining the required standards of support and care — all with limited resources.
At the core of Kisharon Langdon’s vision is the unwavering belief that individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people can thrive.
The merger makes possible a far broader spectrum of offerings, ensuring greater opportunities for transition from education to supported living to employment and work skills. All of these give a better choice, within the Jewish community and beyond, to the people Kisharon Langdon supports.
We create an environment to maximise each person’s potential
The journey ahead involves building on the strengths of both pre-merged entities, with essential input from the people they support. “‘Nothing about us without us’ is a mantra we adopt and underlines our approach,” says Franklin.
The Good Days programme empowers people supported by the charity, providing diverse opportunities and experiences.
Sarah Sharlott, head of social enterprise, emphasises: “A core focus of Good Days is supporting individuals through genuine work experiences and a range of vocational qualifications for purposeful lives. We create an environment that maximises each person’s potential, tailoring their journey for growth and independence.”
Through the social enterprise programme, individuals are not merely participants; they are contributors to a lively community.
New Chapters is a dynamic second-hand book business for Kisharon Langdon members. In a bustling 3,000 sq ft warehouse, paid members and volunteers collaborate on sorting, scanning and processing orders, gaining practical and IT literacy skills.
Equal Bikes, in Hendon, offers repair services, sales, and vocational training, empowering people with learning disabilities by fostering social skills, customer interaction and mechanical expertise.
In addition, Equal, the Gift & Homeware Store offers a stunning range of gifts and home accessories, including some exclusive brands.
Staff are mainly volunteers and all profits from Equal sales go back into the charity.
People supported by Kisharon Langdon help out in the shop and are involved in creating and packing seasonal gifts.
Sharing their transformative journey with others is a commitment Kisharon Langdon embraces. Acknowledging the broader community context, the organisation recognises that similar mergers and co-creation initiatives are under way. This shared experience becomes an opportunity for collaboration and resource optimisation.
“We look forward to working alongside our community organisations, to collaborate and ensure we can use our precious resources most wisely,” says Franklin.
The challenges inherent in merging two entities are not lost on Kisharon Langdon. However, the organisation’s resilience and commitment shine through, driven by a shared goal of not just weathering the storm but emerging stronger on the other side.
In a world where charity is a lifeline, Kisharon Langdon stands as a symbol of optimism, illustrating that through strategic merging and a commitment to shared values, organisations can indeed rebuild futures. “Together, we are not just building an organisation; we are building a larger and more focused learning disability charity embedded in Jewish tradition and values, that changes the way we look at the contribution that people with learning disabilities and autistic people can make in our community,” says Franklin.
The merging process is viewed as an investment in a brighter future, one where every individual supported can thrive.
Kisharon Langdon stands as a symbol of optimism
To join a fundraising challenge, be a champion for the Kisharon Langdon fundraiser in March, make a donation, become involved in the work experience programme or purchase a book from New Chapters, go to: kisharonlangdon.org.uk Registered charity 271519