Jewish Care

Care services minister Ivan Lewis MP says Jewish Care's work in Redbridge is "very powerful"

Care services minister Ivan Lewis toured Jewish Care facilities in the London Borough of Redbridge on Wednesday 30th July when he met care home residents, centre members, staff and volunteers. He was accompanied by Simon Morris, the charity’s chief executive, and trustee Debbie Fox.

First stop was the Dennis Centre in Beehive Lane, Gants Hill, where he was greeted by manager, Zoe McGurrell, staff and volunteers. The centre is open five days-a-week and offers special day care for people with dementia through social and therapeutic activities. Talking to one of the clients, Mr Lewis said: “You’re obviously very happy here,” to which the man replied: “I love it.”

Mr Lewis said: “Jewish Care is a model organisation to respond to the challenges of an ageing society and dementia is one of the biggest challenges of all.” He described the atmosphere as “tranquil and comfortable” and noted the dignified and respectful way in which both staff and volunteers met members’ needs.

He described services at Jewish Care’s Mitkadem Centre for people with mental health needs and Vi & John Rubens House, both in Clarence Avenue – as “very powerful.”

Centre manager Catherine McNicholas said: “What’s lovely about Mitkadem is that everyone has a role - members, staff and volunteers. We decide together how the centre is run and what activities we are going to do.” Endorsing the centre’s value, one member said: “When I came to Mitkadem it was like coming to another world, it is like family. In a few months I started feeling better.” Leaving Mitkadem, Mr Lewis said: “The atmosphere here is really positive, I couldn’t imagine anything better.”

At Vi & John Rubens House registered manager Mary O’ Rourke showed the care services minister around the 121-bed home which offers residential and nursing care and has a special unit for dementia care. He noted that everyone was treated as an individual and praised the combined skills and care provided by dedicated staff and committed volunteers.

“Jewish Care has an ethos that is very special; it is not like any other organisation and you can be proud of what you do,” he told chief executive Simon Morris afterwards.

But it was an impromptu gift from resident Hettie Tauber that really put a smile on his face. “I’m a Manchester City fan and this looks like a Tottenham scarf,” he said, as Mrs Tauber, 92, put the scarf around his neck. A resident for the past six years, Mrs Tauber spends her time knitting to raise funds for the home. Asked why she decided to give him a present, she replied: “You’ve got to put yourself forward – I am happy here and I want to help the home.”