Category: News

On Sunday the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust sadly announced that Henry Wuga had died, just a month after celebrating his 100th birthday.

Henry Wuga has lived an extraordinary life. At just 15 years old Mr. Henry Wuga was evacuated from Nazi Germany, escaping to Glasgow where he became instrumental in educating people about the horrors of the Holocaust. He spent the majority of his life working to preserve records of the Holocaust; enabling people to learn about his remarkable life while guiding the community that had taken him in as a child refugee.

He later married and raised a family with Ingrid Wolffe, a fellow German-Jewish refugee. The couple continued to play an active role in engaging with schools, delivering speeches and classes on the Holocaust.

“When Henry and his wife attended Jewish Care Scotland clubs from time to time it was a great privilege to have them here.” Jewish Care Scotland’s Honorary President, Maureen Solomons reflects on Henry and Ingrid’s relationship with JCS.

At one point, Wuga worked as a ski instructor for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association where he taught veterans who had lost limbs to ski, for which he was named a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1999.

JCS’s Head of Community and Wellbeing, Lynsey Allan recalls: “In later years Henry supported his wife, Ingrid. Ingrid was a great character at the club and I remember she particularly enjoyed sitting in the sunshine, as well as an occasional afternoon snooze! I was always touched by the sight of Henry waiting to collect her from the bus at the end of the day. They were clearly a great partnership and a loving couple.”

As renowned figure in the Glasgow-Jewish community Henry was a dedicated Holocaust educator whose light shined on many. His story lives on in everyone who was lucky enough to hear it.

JCS celebrate International Women’s Day with a ladies’ discussion panel

13 March 2024

To celebrate International Women’s Day JCS hosted their first Ladies’ Discussion Panel on Wednesday 13 March – together Lennie Wilson, joined by panellists Rebbetzin Rubin, Deborah Haas and Madeleine Black.

After JCS’s drop-in style café, Welcome Wednesday the all-ladies discussion garnered an engaged group to hear the panellists discuss topics relating to the achievements of women and girls in the community.

(L-R) Deborah Haas, Madeleine Black, Rebbetzin Rubin.

When asked what changes she’d like to see in society Madeleine Black stated: “Equality. Whether that’s through education or breaking the glass ceiling. Equal pay and career opportunities, being treated the same regardless of your age, gender or race. That’s what I’d like to see.”

The next panel, titled, ‘Where are we going as a community and congregation?’, will be held on Wednesday 10 April, discussion panellists to be confirmed. All are welcome and invited to come and be part of the conversation.

5 March 2024

Yesterday, JCS and pupils from Calderwood Primary School attended Generations Working Togethers’ intergenerational learning roadshow in Govanhill.

The Intergenerational project, which sees Calderwood Lodge Primary School pupils spend time with attendees of Jewish Care Scotland’s Wellbeing Hub throughout the school term, was a resounding success in 2023. The children and older people work together to have meaningful interactions and learning experiences.  The project has gained positive feedback from everyone involved.  After receiving a Highly Commended Award at the Generations Working Together Awards in 2023, JCS was invited to the roadshow to showcase the successful project.

 

JCS’s Registered Manager, Vicki McPhee: “What a fantastic opportunity to share the story of our Intergenerational journey with Calderwood Lodge Primary School whilst networking and learning from others. It was a pleasure to have been invited to speak at this event! Bringing younger and older generations together to learn from one another, share stories and building connections is a such meaningful project for Jewish Care Scotland, benefiting the wellbeing of everybody involved.”

 

The collaboration comes after a longstanding partnership with Calderwood Lodge Primary School working on smaller projects, the two local Jewish establishments came together to work on Intergenerational Projects with the aim of connecting people through shared culture and experiences.

 

For more information, please contact Cally by emailing Comms@jcarescot.org.uk

 

JCS want everyone to have the opportunity to observe and celebrate important times in the Jewish year. Once again, we are delighted to be able to offer our annual Pesach grants for anyone struggling to meet additional costs associated with this time.

This is a one-off grant, aimed at households with a limited income, of £80 for individuals increasing to £120 for households with children. Applications close Thursday 28 March at 5pm.

Upon application, you will be put in touch with one of our Community and Wellbeing Team. Any support offered will be dependent on individual circumstances and applicants may be asked to provide supporting documentation. All applications are treated in strictest confidence and with discretion. Successful applicants will receive their grant by Thursday 18 April.

If you would like more information, or to apply for a Pesach Grant, please contact us on 0141 620 1800 or email hello@jcarescot.org.uk.

 

Jewish Care Scotland have received a grade 5 following an unannounced visit from the Care Inspectorate at the end of October.  The grade 5, an evaluation of very good, applies to performance that demonstrates major strengths in supporting positive outcomes for people.

 

The inspection focussed on JCS’s registered services, including the weekly JCS Wellbeing Hub at Walton Community Care Centre and care at home.  The service is provided to adults and older people from the Jewish Community with the aim of reducing loneliness and isolation and to increase feelings of wellbeing.

 

The key messages from the report include that the service provides a high level of person-centred care, and that the support is highly valued by the people who use the service.

 

Linda Kemp, Chief Executive at JCS, said: “I am delighted by the content of our Care Inspectorate report. It is extremely positive and identifies significant key strengths in all areas.  The report is a testament to the valuable contribution of all JCS staff.”

 

The JCS Wellbeing Hub provides registered day care to individuals who might otherwise struggle to get out and about.  With the support of trained staff, people can attend the weekly group in Giffnock to enjoy a morning coffee with friends and have a hot, two-course kosher lunch.  The JCS Wellbeing Hub offers access to meaningful activities, a cultural and social connection to suit individual needs.

 

JCS social support visits focus on improving and maintaining wellbeing, providing an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities and to maintain cultural and social connections.   A recipient of JCS social support visits said, “without JCS I would be unable to leave the house.  Getting out has really helped me as I continue to recover from my stroke.”

 

The Care Inspectorate Inspection Report said of the service, “The social interaction provided by attending the Thursday session was valuable to people.  Social support was the focus of both the Thursday day centre and the one-to-one home visits.

“The individual social support allowed people to access their local community as well as the wider Jewish community. This was important for people who wished to maintain that important part of their lives and needed some support to do so.”

 

The full report is available to view here.  Further information on JCS services available can be found by emailing hello@jcarescot.org.uk.

 

November 2023

Last week, the Board of Trustees welcomed Jewish Care Scotland staff, volunteers and members of the Tankel family to an intimate reception to launch The Albert and Alice Tankel Bursary Fund.

In 2017, after the passing of her beloved husband Albert, former Chairman and Honorary President of Jewish Care Scotland, Alice set up the Albert Tankel Bursary fund. Continuing Alice’s ethos to do all she could to help others, the purpose of the fund was to ensure access to education, training and development opportunities for staff and volunteers, with the aim of ultimately benefitting the people we support.

This year, Jewish Care Scotland received a further contribution following the passing of Alice.  The family requested the fund be renamed The Albert and Alice Tankel Fund.

Since it was established, the bursary fund has enabled two JCS staff members the opportunity to complete their SVQ3 qualifications as well as providing first aid and mental health awareness training for staff and volunteers.  Most recently, staff and volunteers have completed dementia awareness training.  These courses better equip staff and volunteer teams to fulfil their roles safely, and to the maximum impact for the people we support.

Guests shared memories of Albert and Alice and reminisced about their contributions to Jewish Care Scotland.  Albert and Alice Tankel did so much for Jewish Care Scotland and the community in their lives, and we are so grateful that their legacy continues in supporting our staff and volunteer development now and in the future thanks to the Albert and Alice Bursary Fund.

 

 

Jewish Care Scotland are looking for motivated and enthusiastic people to join our Board of Trustees. If you are keen to make a difference and contribute to the governance of Jewish Care Scotland we want to hear from you.

Our Board meets every six to eight weeks, in the evening at our Giffnock office. Board Members are also invited to join sub-committees including Finance and Audit, Building and Fundraising.

No previous Board experience is necessary, but we are interested to hear from professionals with a background in social care or mental health to complement the existing skillset on the Board.

For an informal discussion, please contact CEO Linda Kemp by emailing Lindak@jcarescot.org.uk or call 0141 620 1800.

Jewish Care Scotland are offering one-off Chanukah grants to individuals and households with limited income who are struggling to meet additional costs associated with this time of year.

Deputy Chief Executive, Robyn Friel, said of the grant, “We know that people are continuing to struggle with the increasing cost-of-living and we want to make sure that everyone is able to celebrate Chanukah this year.  During such difficult times it’s important for everyone to celebrate the light and take part in Chanukah festivities.”

This is a one-off grant for households with limited income.  Members of the community are invited to get in touch for more information or to apply for a grant by calling Jewish Care Scotland on 0141 620 1800 or emailing hello@jcarescot.org.uk.  All enquiries and applications are handled with discretion and treated with the strictest of confidence.

Calderwood Lodge Chanukah Cards

13 November 2023

 

Each year the pupils of Calderwood Lodge are invited to design Chanukah Cards.

Last month JCS’s Wellbeing Hub group deliberated hard over selecting winners for their annual Chanukah card competition with Calderwood Lodge Primary school. The Wellbeing Hub spent an afternoon pouring over the cards and were proud and delighted to select the winning designs. The JCS team attended assembly at Calderwood Lodge Primary to celebrate all the entries and the winning designs. Congratulations to the individual winners from primary two through seven and the collective class of primary one winners.

This year boasted a host of beautiful designs. Much the same as previous years, the decision-making process was very difficult as so many pupils deserved commendation and thanks. The pupils families were able to order the winning designs on a variety of items to celebrate Chanukah, with proceeds going towards Jewish Care Scotland services and fundraising for school activities.

 

JCS Registered Manager Vicki McPhee adds: “Each year it’s so rewarding getting involved in such a creative, collaborative project. When Autumn rolls around the JCS team really look forward to the project with Calderwood Primary. We are so proud of all the artistic pupils who put in so much effort to make their cards shine this Chanukah and look forward to sharing them with the community.”

 

 

National Institute, RNID will be back visiting Jewish Care Scotland on Wednesday 6 December offering support, advice and information around hearing loss or tinnitus.

 

This session will take place between 12 – 2pm during JCS’s drop-in café, Welcome Wednesday. All are welcome.

JCS’s Registered Manager, Vicki McPhee adds: “The last time RNID visited our Welcome Wednesday community, they were really well received. 1 in 5 adults in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus and most of our community are elderly so it was really valuable for the RNID guys to come in.”

The RNID can help with a free hearing check, hearing aid servicing, maintenance, and repair (replacement batteries, cleaning and re-tubing) while providing information and support for people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.

After receiving such positive feedback from their last visit to JCS’s Wellbeing Hub, the RNID are aiming to return once every three months to continue to keep the community up to date and informed. To keep up to date on RNID’s visits to JCS, please visit the ‘Events’ section of our website which is regularly updated.