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Date:  6 June 2007

10th Anniversary of Jewish Cares Singular Challenge support group

Jewish Care’s Singular Challenge, a support group for people going through the trauma of recent separation or divorce, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party at the Michael Sobell Community in Golders Green. The group has helped around 700 people since its inception. It meets in north-west London on a weekly basis, offering talks and workshops on relevant issues.

Frances Harris, the group’s founder and coordinator, welcomed members old and new, 130 of whom attended the celebration. Guests included Jewish Care’s community services director Neil Taylor and volunteers’ manager Pauline Gusack.

Ms Harris said: “It is hard to believe that Singular Challenge has been going for 10 years; I am overwhelmed to see so many of the people who were here when we first opened our doors. We have worked and grown together and helped each other through difficult times, when people have been at their lowest ebb.”

Although the group is primarily for support and friendship, it has also produced several successful partnerships. Those present included Judith and Jeremy Wayne, who got married as a result of Singular Challenge and have since had a baby and Michael Bloom, whose wife Jane Cohen was unable to attend as she is expecting twins next week.

Michael Bloom said: “I was the second man to come to Singular Challenge. I think it is a great thing that Frances has done, she has helped a lot of people. We made a lot of friends and we are still in touch with many of them.”

Marcia Wells, who met her partner Ron Friend at Singular Challenge, said: “We owe everything to Frances and Jewish Care but most importantly she has created a lot of friendships and helped so many people.”

Describing the support group as “innovative”, Neil Taylor, Jewish Care’s director of community services said: “It is amazing that 700 people have benefited from this service. It takes someone like Frances to make this happen. She remains a volunteer and the driving force behind Singular Challenge. She has shown integrity and great dedication in setting up a service that is highly valued.”