• Welcome to Norwood Now. Look out for these Easy English sections at the top of the page, which contain shorter versions of the stories below.

Norwood Now 1

NORWOOD

nowWinter 2012

Introducing Elaine Kerr, our new Chief ExecutiveBoris backs NorwoodChief Rabbi hosts VolunteersMeet our new Assistive Technology Manager

• Welcome to Norwood Now. Look out for these Easy English sections at the top of the page, which contain shorter versions of the stories below.

2 Norwood Now

A warm welcome to our Winter 2012 edition of Norwood Now, which will keep you up to date with some of the exciting news from our services, events and projects.

We now have Easy English panels at the top of each page which means that everyone involved with Norwood – most importantly the people we support – can enjoy this edition.

Choosing the highlights of the last six months has been difficult, as there is so much going on that is innovative and successful.

Our adoption agency received widespread coverage during National Adoption Week due to its impressive number of successful adoptions. In numerous articles and broadcasts, our adopters lined up to praise our dedicated staff, and fast and efficient service.

Praise is also due to our fantastic volunteers, without whom Norwood would not be able to function. We were honoured that the Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, hosted a joyful afternoon for our volunteers at the House of Lords.

Norwood is deeply indebted to our community for its generous financial support. Our donors’ commitment was demonstrated at our Annual Dinner, where we raised an amazing £2.8million. This funding is vital to us in this challenging economy.

Norwood is proud to have played a major role in campaigning and lobbying the Government, which reversed its decision to remove the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. We also recently joined a coalition of major charities calling for urgent cross party action on the reform of social care for elderly and disabled people.

We do hope that you enjoy reading this issue of Norwood Now, and would encourage you to get involved.

What’s inside PageThe difference we make 3-8 How we help to change lives

The funds we raise 9-11 Highlights from our fundraising activities

The support you give 12-13 Read our inspiring volunteer stories

The job we do 14-15 Meet the staff who make a difference

A message from the President

Front cover image: Amanda Hinden lights Chanukah candles with JCoSS students

The photographs of service users in Norwood Now are used with subjects’ or parents’ permission.

Norwood • Broadway House • 80-82 The Broadway • Stanmore • HA7 4HB T 020 8809 8809 E info@norwood.org.uk www.norwood.org.ukCopyright © 2012 Norwood Registered Charity No. 1059050

facebook.com/norwood.uk twitter.com/norwooduk

Bernie Myers Chairman

Elaine Kerr Chief Executive

Welcome to the new edition of Norwood Now.

As you will read, the guest of honour at our recent Annual Dinner was Boris Johnson, Mayor of London. During his speech, he praised Norwood for capturing ‘the true spirit of the city’ and I couldn’t agree with him more.

For over 200 years, Norwood has looked after those in need in our community. I have no doubt that Elaine Kerr, our new Chief Executive, will ensure that we remain a safety net to the most vulnerable Jewish children and adults.

Unfortunately, the challenges faced by Norwood over the last year have not disappeared. However, our community has continued to support us. We are extremely grateful to all those who have provided us with the assistance we need to fulfil our responsibility to the people who rely on us.

Many supporters, in addition to their generous financial support, give their time and expertise to Norwood throughout the year.

We are very grateful for your contribution to the professionalism of Norwood. I would ask anyone who feels that they can add value, to please come forward.

Richard Desmond

Welcome

• Elaine Kerr is Norwood’s new Chief Executive. She is really looking forward to running the Charity.

• Norwood is talking to residents at Ravenswood and their families about what to do with unused land and buildings.

Norwood Now 3

Elaine Kerr has been Norwood’s Chief Executive since November 2011. She joined the organisation from Chai Cancer Care, where she was Chief Executive, prior to which she was an Executive Director of Commissioning in the NHS.

What are your first impressions of Norwood? Norwood struck me immediately as a complex organisation, and a very professional one. I am still learning about the plethora of services that it provides. My overriding impression from those first few days was the warmth of welcome by new colleagues, Trustees, volunteers, the people we support and their families, and donors – the list is in no particular order. I remember thinking at the end of my first week how fortunate I am to have this job. In truth that feeling is still with me, I just love coming to work!

What has particularly impressed you so far?The commitment from all those involved with Norwood – it is truly awesome. Most people working here – and in that I include staff, volunteers and lay leaders – really do go above and beyond all expectations in every way possible. I enjoy working within a team, and our team of 1,200 staff, 800 volunteers and countless lay leaders is huge. However, the talent within the team, and its ambitions for the people we support and the organisation itself, is enormous.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role? Meeting the rest of the staff, volunteers and lay leaders that I haven’t as yet met. I am still learning so much. I am also looking forward to developing new partnerships within the community for the benefit of the community. I believe that we have an absolute obligation to ensure that we always do our very best for each and every person we support, and that we are

extracting maximum value for money from every penny we receive.

What challenges do you think you’ll face?I do like a challenge! We are operating in unchartered waters in terms of our economy, but often challenges present opportunities too. My background has provided good experience of maintaining services against reduced finances (I was a long time in the NHS!) and I hope that this will be of benefit to Norwood. My wish is to continually improve on the already high quality of our services, expand them where required, and ensure that we can provide or source support for people throughout their lifetimes. This will need all our concerted efforts – but as part of such a like-minded team of people, I can only see us succeeding.

Where do you see Norwood in 10 years?Continuing to hold its position as a jewel in the community’s crown, financially sound and providing gold standard services. I would also want to see Norwood as an outstanding employer, providing opportunities for staff to learn and achieve personal ambitions.

Tell us a bit about you.I live in south west Herts with my husband Jeff, my youngest daughter and our Border Collie. The one leisure interest I have had all my life is reading, and I enjoy pottering in my garden. I have also been known (with varying degrees of competence) to play tennis, horse ride, swim, play guitar, water- ski and play golf – all of which takes time and effort. I now don’t have the time, and all my effort is willingly directed to Norwood.

RavenswoodconsultationA consultation with residents and their families over the future of vacant land and buildings at Ravenswood is well underway.

The Charity believes this is an important opportunity to improve the environment at Ravenswood for the benefit of the people who live and work there and to create a truly integrated and inclusive community. Before any final decision is made by our Trustee board, Norwood will consider all viewpoints, including those of residents.

IntroducingElaine Kerr

service news: the difference we make

• Norma Brier, Norwood’s previous Chief Executive, had a goodbye party at Downing Street, which is where the Prime Minister and Chancellor live.

• Hilary Rosen is going to help the people who use Norwood’s services to live well and be healthy.

• A new project has started for young adults to make friends and enjoy activities together.

4 Norwood Now

Norma Brier is new Patron of Adult Services

Bernie Myers with Norma and Sam Brier outside 11 Downing Street

Norwood has launched a health and wellbeing strategy within its adult services, which will be overseen by new Health & Wellbeing Manager Hilary Rosen. She will work with other organisations and colleagues to ensure that adults who use Norwood’s services receive the best possible health care, including health screening and therapies. She will also have responsibility for ‘wellbeing’, which includes the management of behaviour, diet and safeguarding.

Hilary, who previous to her current post, worked as Development Manager at the Kennedy Leigh Family Centre in Hendon, has a background in nursing and public health and vast experience in primary health care and local government.

Norwood has received almost £11,500 of funding from the London Borough of Barnet to launch a buddy scheme for 16-19 year olds. Once a month, up to 12 young people will be accompanied by Norwood’s YN supporters on half day excursions.

Participants in the scheme, which is funded for 10 months, will use the time for an activity of their choice, such as a trip to the cinema, a football match, a walk in the park, sporting activities or just coffee and a chat. The aim of the service is to provide young people, some of whom will be existing Norwood service users, with an opportunity to share an everyday experience with someone who has similar interests and is of a similar age.

Each young person will be given a budget of £25 per session to spend with their buddy.

Norwood launches newHealth & Wellbeing strategy

Hey, Buddy!

Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne joined more than 100 guests at a special reception at 11 Downing Street in September, to celebrate the illustrious career of Norma Brier, who retired after 22 years as Norwood’s Chief Executive.

Norma has since been appointed Norwood’s first Patron of Adult Services and a member of its Advisory Council. In her speech to gathered guests, she thanked the Norwood staff, donors and volunteers who had supported her throughout her career.

Praising her leadership, Norwood’s Chairman Bernie Myers reflected on the way in which Norma, ‘never lost sight of this responsibility to the people supported by the Charity’.

Hilary Rosen

• There is a new social group for people living at the Pamela Barnett Centre and in the local area called @ The Acorn.

• Norwood’s adoption team held a party for the children it has helped to find new families.

• Norwood held an event for Orthodox Jewish people to show them why fostering is important.

Norwood Now 5

The Clore Duffield Foundation is funding a new Independence and Wellbeing Project for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities who are supported by Norwood. Part of this funding has allowed Norwood to launch a new social group in Berkshire, in partnership with Wokingham, Bracknell & Districts Mencap.

The group, called ‘@ the Acorn’, which was launched in September, gives people the chance to meet new friends or come and take part in fun activities. It runs every Tuesday at the Acorn Community Centre in Wokingham, and is already attended by more than 20 people who use either Norwood’s services or come from the wider community.

The group is led by staff from the specialist Pamela Barnett Centre at Ravenswood, Norwood’s residential community for adults with learning disabilities in Crowthorne. Each week, they plan a range of activities, including hockey, football, skittles and arts and crafts. On 13 December, a mixed pre- Chanukah and Christmas party, including dancing, games and food was organised, which provided a great opportunity to celebrate its success.

Having fun@ The Acorn

Guests at the @ the Acorn festive party in December

A child adopted through Norwood enjoys the party

Adoption under the spotlight

...Fostering too!

More than 40 children adopted through Norwood were guests of honour at a special party thrown by the Charity’s adoption team as part of National Adoption Week in November. The event, which included a special tea and entertainment, was held at Norwood’s family centre in Hackney.

During National Adoption Week, Norwood issued an appeal for new adopters from all backgrounds, including couples and single applicants willing to adopt children in the UK aged two and over, sibling groups or children from complex and diverse backgrounds.

Labour peer Oona King, who adopted her children through Norwood, praised the service during an ITV News discussion on the UK adoption system: “My voluntary agency, Norwood, was always very good at trying to move things forward and that’s the mind-set that would absolutely transform children’s lives in Britain.”

In January, Norwood organised an event to raise awareness of the small but pressing need for foster carers within the Orthodox Jewish community. Fostering in the Community was held in partnership with Ezer Leyoldos and the London Boroughs of Barnet, Haringey and Hackney. During the evening, which generated a great deal of interest, visitors heard moving testimonies from existing foster carers along with powerful appeals from leading senior Rabbis, Alan Plancey, Avraham Pinter and Shimon Winegarten.

service news: the difference we make

• Norwood has launched Norwood Future Clean, a car wash business which is run by people with learning disabilities.

• Shalev Nymark, who works at Norwood Future Clean, tells us about his love for dogs, Doc Martin boots and The Last Samurai movie.

6 Norwood Now

Norwood launchesFuture Cleancar wash

If youask me...Shalev Nymark, 23, from Bushey, has been a trainee at Norwood’s Future Clean car wash since June.

What do you like about your job?I love that I have a proper job and that I get paid.

What is your favourite hobby?Dogs! I’m a massive dog lover. I like Huskies, Beagles, Spanish Sheepdogs and Cocker Spaniels.

What is your favourite film?Alvin & the Chipmunks and The Last Samurai.

If you could go on holiday, where would you go?Australia, as that’s where my Dad lives.

If you could wish for one thing, what would it be?To fly in a plane on my own.

If you could achieve one thing in your life what would it be?To move in with my girlfriend.

If you could swap places with anyone for the day, who would it be?Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai or someone in the Metropolitan Mounted Police.

Last August, Norwood launched Norwood Future Clean, a car wash and hand valeting business which is staffed by people with a learning disability. Like Norwood Gifts, it is a training project based on social enterprise principles which helps people on the path to employment by teaching them important work skills.

Based in Hatch End, the car wash team, who are supported by Norwood job coaches, use bio- degradable cleaning fluids which render it virtually waterless and more environmentally friendly than other car washes.

Norwood Future Clean is thought to be the first such scheme in London and has been supported by Harrow Council. However, the Charity has also received a three year grant from East Sussex Council for a Future Clean project in Lewes, East Sussex, which will launch this year.

Norwood Future Clean staff with Harrow Council and Norwood representatives, after washing the Mayor of Harrow’s official car

• Norwood has been given money to start lots of different projects for children.

• Norwood held a Chanukah party at JCoSS school for the people we support.

• Rabbi Alan Plancey has joined the Norwood Advisory Council, which gives Norwood advice about how to run its services.

Norwood Now 7

Adam Goodman and Amanda Strong hit the dance floor at the JCoSS disco

Norwood has received funding for a range of innovative new projects for its children’s services.

The London Borough of Barnet has provided £88,000 to help Norwood’s specialist family support staff provide intervention and prevention services for vulnerable children. As part of the project, these services, offered at Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Centre, will now include additional counselling support and a specialised therapy called Portage for children with developmental delay.

This service will be enhanced by a confidential telephone helpline run by Kisharon and further specialised counselling services provided by Ezer North West. The new projects were launched this month and are being

managed by the Family Support Service Manager Sarah Le May, who is in the process of recruiting staff.

Meanwhile, Norwood’s short break service Buckets & Spades, will benefit from further funding from London Borough of Barnet as it launches a range of new play sessions and activities for children aged between two and five, with learning disabilities.

The new service, also to be launched in February, will give children the opportunity to take part in group activities such as arts and crafts, cookery, music and multi sports activities, including boccia, football, cricket and basketball, many of which will take place in the sensory room and garden play area. The project will also provide drama and art therapy sessions.

A well-respected Rabbi and County Councillor in Hertfordshire has been appointed to Norwood’s Advisory Council. Rabbi Alan Plancey, Emeritus Rabbi at Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue, was invited to join the honorary body due to his outstanding commitment to children and family services, his strong ties with the growing Jewish community in south Hertfordshire, his knowledge of communal issues and his local authority expertise.

Children’s Services receive funding boosts

More than 200 young people and adults who use Norwood’s services attended its annual Chanukah festive dinner and disco at JCoSS in December. Guests were welcomed with nibbles and drinks served by a group of JCoSS students, who were later joined by headteacher Jeremy Stowe-Lindner for a Menorah lighting ceremony. This was followed by a three course meal, doughnuts, and an evening of dancing. Celebrations were also held at other Norwood services including Ravenswood, where a range of party activities including karaoke, doughnut-making, candle making, card-making, and cake decorating, took place in the Precinct cafe, which was decked out with festive decorations throughout the holiday.

Norwood celebrates Chanukah in style

Rabbi Alan Planceyjoins NorwoodAdvisory Council

service news: the difference we make

Rabbi Alan Plancey

• Norwood has a Toy Library in Hackney where families can borrow new toys.

• A new room with lots of special lights and equipment has been built in a Norwood residential home in Hendon.

8 Norwood Now

Join Norwood at the Jewish Living Expo on Sunday 18 March 2012 at Wembley Stadium from 10.30am. Our stand will be situated in the Community section. Quote our promotional code “Norwood01” when booking your tickets to receive 10% off. Norwood will also recieve 10% of the cost of every ticket sold. We hope to see you, your families and friends there, for what promises to be a great day out!

Please visit jewishlivingexpo.com for more information.

Senior Family Centre worker Lena Spitzer describes the work carried out at Norwood’s Toy Library at its Family Centre in Hackney:

Join us at Jewish Living Expo

Residents living in a Norwood residential care home in Hendon, now have access to a state of the art sensory room thanks to a £37,500 grant. The new facility, which contains a range of specialist equipment

designed to both calm and stimulateadults with learning disabilities, was made possible by the donation from the Doris Pacey Charitable Foundation. It will also be open to other residents living in the Hendon area.

“I’ve got nothing to do!”

Most parents will be used to hearing this cry of boredom on a regular basis, but multiply it by four or five children in a family, and it becomes obvious why Norwood’s Hackney Family Centre Toy Library is so well used.

The Toy Library was founded by Norwood 13 years ago and has been run by librarian Rosa Babad ever since. The library is open during Parent and Baby drop–ins and for most of the duration of ‘Stay & Play’ after school sessions for mothers and children.

Local Jewish families, mainly from the Charedi community, can join the Toy Library for as little as one pound a month and are able to borrow eight items for up to four weeks.

The library is well stocked with toys, some of which cater for the needs of children with learning disabilities, including musical instruments, board games, jigsaw puzzles and dolls. There are also a number of children’s books and games available in both English and Yiddish, as the latter is the first language spoken in many local homes.

Many of the library’s toys are donated through Norwood’s annual Toy Sweep, at Toys R Us at Brent Cross. Organised by a volunteer committee, which this year raised £4,500 for new toys, the event attracts dozens of children who use Norwood’s services. With their parents and Norwood staff, they gather toys, games and other gifts to be distributed within the organisation.

ToyStory

Children play at the Toys R Us Toy Sweep in December

Residents, Norwood

staff and represent-

atives of the Doris

Pacey Charitable

Foundation open the

new sensory room

A feast for the

senses

• Boris Johnson, who as Mayor helps to run London, was a special guest at Norwood’s big fundraising dinner which raised £2.8million.

• Norwood held a dinner for a large group of businessmen and women which raised £141,000.

Norwood Now 9

Boris backs Norwood and helps raise £2.8 million at Annual DinnerFormer Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon was full of praise for Norwood, as the Community rallied round to help the Charity raise an incredible £2.8 million at its Annual Dinner in November.

The television presenter, whose younger brother has cerebral palsy, said: “I know what it’s like first hand, to have a child with learning difficulties and not have a support system around them, and so the work that Norwood does is priceless.”

She was joined by more than 1,200 guests, including guest speaker Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, Sir Philip Green, Theo Paphitis, Karren Brady, Kate Garraway and Vanessa Feltz.

This year’s event focused on the work of Norwood’s family support and social work services. The service, provided to vulnerable families by 20 social workers at three family centres in Hendon, Hackney and Redbridge, receives no government support and is entirely funded by voluntary donations.

Mayor Boris Johnson at

the Norwood Annual Dinner

Karren Brady

DistressedInvesting Dinnerraises £141,000In October, Bobby Sager, former partner and president of Gordon Brothers Group and founder of the Sager Family Traveling Foundation and Roadshow, was guest of honour at Norwood’s sixth annual Distressed Investing Dinner. The event, which raised more than £141,000, was kindly sponsored by Gordon Brothers Ltd.

‘Indestructable footballs’, designed by Bobby for use in third world countries, were offered as raffle prizes during the evening.

Bobby Sager (centre) with members of the Distressed Investing committee

fundraising news: the funds we raise

Alesha Dixon, Kate

Garraway and Michelle Nachum

• Norwood held a special party for young people who support the Charity.

• Norwood held lots of events for young people to raise money.

• People raised money for Norwood by taking part in sponsored bike rides in Israel and Thailand.

10 Norwood Now

The on-going commitment and generosity of Norwood’s YN Patrons was recognised at a cocktail party held at the prestigious Audi Quattro showroom in Piccadilly. BBC Creative Director Alan Yentob, was the guest of honour at the October event, which welcomed 100 young Norwood supporters.

Guests also heard from Michael Kuperberg, who last year was supported by Norwood into paid employment at its Deli in Hendon. Speaking of his experiences at the Charity, Michael, who also took part in Norwood’s international bike ride in Thailand in November, said: “Norwood has been fantastic and I cannot thank them enough. They’ve given me a new lease of life and made me believe in myself.”

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce shares a joke with sports journalist Mick Dennis

The YN Patrons committee with Alan Yentob and Michael Kuperberg

Norwood thanksits YN Patrons

Norwood cyclists geared up for international challengeA group of 55 cyclists took part in Norwood’s Israel Bike Ride in November, raising £260,000. The 380km five-day adventure covered the scenic route from Jerusalem to Eilat and involved crossing notoriously difficult terrain in the Negev desert.

Meanwhile, earlier in the month, 65 cycling enthusiasts got into gear for Norwood’s five day international bike ride in Thailand, raising £250,000.

2012 marks the 20th anniversary of Norwood’s sporting challenges. For more details, see our What’s On calendar (facing page) or please go to www.norwood-challenges.co.uk

Football on trialat YN Sport Court

Thailand Bike Ride tandem cyclists Jackie Andresier and Michelle Bass

In November, over 150 young professionals attended YN Sport’s inaugural fundraising and networking event, held at the offices of SJ Berwin. YN Sport Court, which raised £9,500 for Norwood, debated three topical motions and featured a panel of industry experts; Sam Allardyce, Gabriele Marcotti, Jonathan Barnett, Mick Dennis, and moderator Garth Crooks OBE.

Norwood Now 11

YN Mediaraises tothe tune of £20,000Brit-nominated singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner helped Norwood to raise £20,000 at its annual YN Media reception. YN Unplugged, was held in October at the London Film Museum. He was interviewed by Radio 1 entertainment presenter Natalie Jamieson, before taking to the stage for an exclusive live performance for the 200 guests.

Douglas Silas, a leading solicitor, was amongst the 55 cyclists who took part in the Israel Bike Ride in November. Douglas, 44, from Finchley, has Cerebellar Ataxia, a rare, degenerative and incurable disorder of the nervous system. As a result, he is steadily losing his eyesight, speech, hearing and the use of his limbs, although the illness does not affect his cognitive ability or life expectancy.

Douglas, who now uses a wheelchair, undertook a strict regime of physical training in order to prepare himself for the challenge, during which he cycled tandem using a recumbent tricycle. With the support of friends Paul

Tuhrim, Stephen Harrison and others, he overcame his difficulties and is now on course to raise his target of £50,000 for the Charity.

“It exceeded all my expectations and words can’t quite describe it,” said Douglas after the ride. “Apart from this sense of achievement, I have also been able to raise a significant amount of money for Norwood at the same time.”

To help Douglas reach his target, visit http://www. virginmoneygiving.com/ DouglasSilas

Focus on fundraising:Douglas Silas

Wha

t's

On

YN Current AffairsAn Evening with Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP Wednesday 8 February www.norwood.org.uk/miliband T: 020 8420 6804 nicola.graham@norwood.org.ukCome Dine at Mine24-26 February www.norwood.org.uk/dine T: 020 8420 6922 jessica.levy@norwood.org.ukThe Norwood Business Breakfast Wednesday 29 February www.norwood.org.uk/business T: 020 8420 6832 jessica.levy@norwood.org.ukYN Property DinnerMonday 5 March T: 020 8420 6823 danielle.bz@norwood.org.ukLadies LunchTuesday 6 March T: 020 8420 6922 jessica.levy@norwood.org.uk

Patrons Cocktail PartyThursday 22 March T: 020 8420 6822 adele.breslauer@ norwood.org.ukLondon MarathonSunday 22 April T: 020 8420 6834 challenges@norwood.org.ukYN Sicilian Challenge2-7 May www.sicilianchallenge.com T: 020 8420 6804 nicola.graham@norwood.org.ukCroatia Challenge 9-14 May T: 020 8420 6834 challenges@norwood.org.ukThe 10 Bridges WalkSunday 13 May T: 020 8420 6922 jessica.levy@norwood.org.ukCommunity Fun RunSunday 20 May 020 8420 6834 challenges@norwood.org.uk

YN Business, Finance & Entrepreneurs Dinner May T: 020 8420 6823 danielle.bz@norwood.org.ukThe M&A Network DinnerMay T: 020 8420 6832 jessica.levy@norwood.org.ukJunior Bike RideSunday 10 June www.juniorbikeride.org.uk 020 8420 6922 ian.tate@norwood.org.ukThe Norwood Property LunchFriday 22 June T: 020 8420 6832 jessica.levy@norwood.org.ukYN Lawyers ReceptionJune T: 020 8420 6823 danielle.bz@norwood.org.ukCapital to Coast Cycle Challenge Sunday 1 July London to Brighton T: 020 8420 6944info@capitaltocoast.org.uk

Golf DayWednesday 4 July T: 020 8420 6898 candice.mendesdacosta@ norwood.org.uk Royal Parks Half MarathonSunday 7 October 020 8420 6834 challenges@norwood.org.ukSri Lanka Bike Ride13-22/20-29 October 020 8420 6834 challenges@norwood.org.ukDistressed Investing DinnerOctober T: 020 8420 6832 jessica.levy@norwood.org.ukIsrael Bike Ride3-11 November 020 8420 6834 challenges@norwood.org.ukAnnual DinnerMonday 12 November 020 8420 6822 adele.breslauer@ norwood.org.uk

Newton Faulkner

at YN Unplugged

Douglas Silas and Clifford Baker cycle tandem

I realised that if I didn’t do a bike ride then, I may never have had the opportunity again, so I wanted to maximise what I could raise for Norwood whilst taking part in a challenge of a lifetime.

fundraising news: the funds we raise

“

“

• The Mayor of Barnet joined lots of other volunteers on Mitzvah Day, a Jewish day of good deeds.

• Norwood has set up a group of people, called Champions, who will tell others about all the good work our volunteers do.

• Amanda Solomons and her daughter Natasha volunteer at the Kennedy Leigh Centre.

12 Norwood Now

Mayor of Barnetjoins volunteers forMitzvah Day

Mother anddaughter teamVolunteering is a family activity for Amanda Solomons and her daughter Natasha. Amanda 44, from Stanmore, has been volunteering at the Kennedy Leigh Family Centre for nearly two years, and kindly spends two mornings a week helping out in our Twins & More support group.

Amanda, who has been involved with the Charity for a number of years having initially found out about volunteering opportunities through a friend, says of her voluntary work: “It has simply become part of my life. I just get so much pleasure out of it”. Her daughter Natasha, 17, a student at JFS, is now following in her mum’s footsteps and volunteers at Unity, Norwood’s recreational group for children and young people with disabilities.

Volunteers including the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Lisa Rutter, gave up their time for Norwood as part of Mitzvah Day. The Mayor got into the spirit of the annual day of good deeds, by attending a special tea party thrown by YN volunteers at the Kennedy Leigh Family Centre in Hendon. She was joined by members of Unity, a recreational group for children and young people with disabilities.

Earlier in the day, members of the Edgware Reform Synagogue helped to paint a Mitzvah Day mural and gave the Norwood Nursery a spring clean. Volunteers also helped to paint the nursery’s fence, while a group from Bnei Akiva wrapped presents donated by Norwood staff, that were then distributed among families supported by Norwood and Barnardo’s. A number of other Mitzvah Day activities were held across Norwood’s services in Hendon, Stanmore, Barkingside, Hackney, Redbridge and Berkshire.

The Mayor of Barnet (centre) at the Kennedy Leigh Family Centre

Amanda and Natasha Solomons

Volunteer Championsat Norwood

Meet the Karten Centre volunteers

In the last edition of Norwood Now, we mentioned plans to launch a new ambassador scheme to help promote volunteering across the organisation. The aim of the scheme is to provide a forum in which to raise the profile of the valuable contribution that volunteers bring to Norwood and to plan and develop innovative ways in which to involve new people and communities.

A Strategic Task Force will set up and monitor a network of Champions, consisting of staff and existing volunteers, who will identify new opportunities for volunteering and communicate the enormous benefits that volunteers bring to our work.

If you’re interested in finding out more or would like to get involved, then please contact Jamie Ward-Smith at jamie.ward-smith@norwood.org.uk.

Norwood volunteers Dawn Saunders, Sue Thwaites and George Humphries, were all nominated for Volunteering Awards in Birmingham in October. The trio volunteer at the Karten CTEC Centre in Ravenswood, which runs courses to help adults using new technology, computers and the internet.

George, who has been volunteering at the centre for over two and a half years, was runner-up for the Big Award which recognised the many programmes he has developed for the Centre, including brainteaser games which test IQ. He

• The Chief Rabbi hosted a party at the House of Lords to thank our volunteers for all their hard work.

• People who want to volunteer at Norwood can now apply on the internet.

• Sue, George and Dawn all volunteer at the Karten Centre at Ravenswood.

Norwood Now 13

Mother anddaughter team

Meet the Karten Centre volunteers

says of his experience: “Volunteering at Norwood has been very rewarding and I’ve enjoyed meeting some very interesting characters!”

Sue, who is blind, has also been volunteering at Norwood two mornings a week for two and a half years. Her role focuses on assisting tutors with life skills training in several classes. In addition to the rewarding nature of the work, she also really enjoys the social aspect of volunteering. “I like getting

together with other volunteers for coffee,” she says, “and the work we do is so valuable, I really enjoy it.”

Dawn, who is also blind, was introduced to Norwood by Wokingham Visually Impaired and began a two year course at the Karten Centre, where, amongst other skills, she was taught to touch type. On completion of the course, she was asked

to stay on to help new participants. Dawn now volunteers two mornings a week at the centre with her guide dog Lacey, helping people with poor sight to learn how to use computers. She says of her experience: “I thoroughly enjoy it and the participants really appreciate it. We get on great!”

Now you can apply online to volunteer!Norwood has made some changes to the volunteering section of its website to make it easier for prospective volunteers to get involved. A new button is now available which directs users to the Charity’s latest volunteering vacancies. The web page will also include regular updates on activities and volunteering roles, which can be accessed directly online.

In addition, there will be new facilities for current volunteers to log in via our website, which will allow them to inform the team of their availability, apply for vacancies and send us messages - so watch this web space!

To find out more, please visit norwood.org.uk/volunteering

Norwood’s volunteers were honoured for their dedication and commitment to the Charity at a reception hosted by the Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, at the House of Lords, overlooking the Thames. A group of 200 people who give up their time to perform a range of duties for Norwood, attended the special event in October.

The Chief Rabbi said: “It’s a very humbling privilege to welcome you here and say thank you. Norwood is one of the greatest organisations in our community and it gives me real pride when we think of the incredible good work you carry out day in, day out throughout the year.”

Chief Rabbi honours volunteers at House of Lords reception

Sandra Young, Joyce Senker, Norwood Chairman Bernie Myers, Lady and Lord Sacks, Muriel Kauffer and Pat Kipps

volunteering news: the support you give

Dawn Saunders, Sue Thwaites and George Humphries

Volunteer Doreen Lewis

with the Chief Rabbi

• Sarah Rosen tells us about her job helping to train Norwood’s staff.

• Norwood staff helped out at sales of jewellery made by people supported by the Charity.

• Norwood has given jobs to two people who help adults with learning disabilities to travel more independently.

14 Norwood Now

Profile: Sarah Rosen, Learning & Development Manager

Norwood staff lend a hand at jewellery sales

Sarah Rosen joined Norwood as Learning & Development Manager in August 2011, prior to which she worked as HR Project Change Manager for London Underground/ Metronet. Sarah enjoys going to the theatre and spends her spare time running a bereavement charity, Butterflies, which she founded five years ago for young mothers who have themselves lost a parent.

What do you do on a typical day?My role is pretty varied, which means that there are always exciting new challenges for me! I work part time three days a week and am based in the Learning & Development office in Broadway House, although I do travel quite a lot to other sites, mainly to Ravenswood. My main responsibilities include implementing new projects such as the management Bite-Size programme, managing various training schedules and identifying and addressing future training needs for Norwood.

What is your favourite part of your job?I really enjoy working with people from all areas of the organisation and helping train them to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. I also love developing people skills, on both a work and interpersonal level, and enjoy designing and delivering various training programmes. Seeing improvement and making a real difference by helping people to get things done more effectively for themselves, is definitely the most rewarding part of my job.

How do you see your role developing?I believe that there is an exciting future for the Learning & Development department at Norwood. There are a number of projects coming up which have been designed to fully meet the needs of the organisation and the individuals who work here, and I look forward to putting them into action very soon.

If you could take three things to a desert island, what would they be? Definitely my two children and my husband!

Back office staff at Broadway House have been putting their salesmanship to the test while lending a hand at sales of jewellery made as part of the Norwood Gifts project. An impressive 79 items were sold at the most recent sale at Watford’s Harlequin shopping centre in November, which raised £640.

The sale follows the launch of our online gift site, norwood.org.uk/gifts, which has now been live for twelve months. The site sells jewellery and other items hand-crafted by adults with learning disabilities at jewellery workshops, located at the RD Crusaders WorkHub in Stanmore and at Ravenswood in Berkshire. Other sale venues have included St Ann’s Shopping Centre in Harrow.

Norwood appointstravel training teamTwo new travel trainers have been chosen to help co-ordinate Norwood’s Freedom Through Travel project, which has been running since April 2011. Nicola Hawkins, based in London, and Sarah Wilman, based in Berkshire, will focus on helping the people supported by Norwood to access the community independently and confidently, whilst using smartphone technology with installed GPS tracking. The service, which received a generous £235,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund last year, will train 88 adults who use Norwood’s residential and supported living services, over a three year period.

Katie Nalkin, Sue Kadar and Pauline Kelly with service user Ruth Zoladz

• Joanne Surridge finds new technology to help people become more independent.

• Abigail Goss talks about her typical day at Ravenswood.

Norwood Now 15

Meet Norwood’s new Assistive Technology ManagerNorwood appointed Joanne Surridge as its new Assistive Technology Manager last August. Prior to this, she worked in local government for the London Borough of Waltham Forest, in a variety of posts, including change management and training roles.

Joanne is responsible for understanding and identifying how assistive technology can meet the needs of people living in Norwood residential or supported living homes. She also evaluates existing technology and implements new solutions to improve the user’s quality of life. Assistive technology ranges from door contacts to epilepsy monitors

and bed occupancy monitors. Its aim is to improve quality of life by ensuring and enhancing the user’s safety, dignity and independence as much as possible. The field of assistive technology is advancing rapidly and Joanne said that Norwood would seek to implement as many new developments as possible. For instance, eye gaze technology could allow people to use a computer just by using their eyes.

She added: “My favourite part of the role is knowing that it could really make a difference to someone’s life. This is really important to me, as I often see first-hand, how much the people we support benefit from assistive technology across the spectrum.”

A Day in the Life... Abigail Goss, Behaviour Support AdvisorSince I joined Norwood in January 2008, no two days have been the same. Although I am based in Ravenswood Village, I work with various teams and services across the organisation, which means there’s never a dull moment!

The general focus of my role is to provide positive behaviour support for the people we support and thereby improve their quality of life. This requires me to carry out a functional assessment of each individual, in order to establish what is and isn’t working for them and to determine what areas may be causing distress or may need changing.

Over the years, my role has become increasingly proactive, which means I am

now involved with a number of exciting new projects across the organisation. I regularly deliver staff training on autism, dementia, positive behaviour support and person-centred active support. I recently travelled to Cambridge to present research at a conference. I am also part of the Great Interaction Steering Group, which focuses on improving staff communication skills within our services.

My role is often quite hands on and spending time with the people we support is one of my favourite aspects. I also enjoy working with other staff to come up with the best solutions for each person. Making a difference is what matters most to me, which is why I enjoy my role here so much!

Every person and every project is unique at Norwood, so our approach has to be person centred and creative every time. Essentially, it’s all about empowerment - for both staff and the people supported by Norwood.

Joanne Surridge

Abigail

Goss

staff news: the job we share

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16 Norwood Now

Patron Her Majesty The Queen Patron of Children’s Services Cherie Blair Patron of Adult Services Norma Brier President Richard Desmond Chief Executive Elaine Kerr Honorary Life Presidents Sir Trevor Chinn, Clive Marks OBE, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, Carol Sopher Trustee Board Bernie Myers (Chairman), David Ereira (Deputy Chair), Ian Fagelson, Linda Goldberg, Elliott Goldstein, David Goldstone, Jack Goulde, Ronnie Harris (Patronage Chairman), Neville Kahn, Gary Sacks (Fundraising Chairman), Andrew Viner (Treasurer).Council Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Norma Brier, Max Caller MBE, David Ereira (Chair), Ruth Fasht OBE, Gill Gallick, Dr Danya Glaser, Gillian Howard, Ruth Levere, John Libson, Rabbi Alan Plancey, Jack Rabinowicz, Dr Valerie Sinason, Sir Harry Solomon, Michael Teacher, Dr Richard Trompeter.

BenefactorsThe Milly Apthorp Charitable TrustLily Bluston SettlementThe Estate of Marc BolanCarole Broadley and The Louise AppealThe Clore Duffield FoundationThe A B David Memorial FundSir Evelyn & Lady de RothschildRichard DesmondThe Dorset FoundationSir Philip & Lady GreenRichard Harris & Esther IsaacsThe Carole & Geoffrey Lawson FoundationNatalie & Ian LivingstoneThe Pears FoundationLindsay & Gary SacksThe Estate of Ingeborg SchubertThe Helene Sebba Charitable TrustReuben Shackman MBE & Rose ShackmanK C Shasha Charitable FoundationSobell FoundationMrs Phyllis SomersThe Tager FamilyThe Wolfson Family Charitable TrustThe Wolfson Foundation

Platinum PatronsThe Maurice Ezra Bekhor Charitable FundLinda & Tony BloomThe Patsy Bloom & Robert

Blausten Charitable TrustSimon CowellThe Foyle FoundationMichele & Keith FreedmanThe J Isaacs Charitable TrustThe Robert & Rena Lewin Charitable TrustThe Rothschild FoundationThe Samuel Sebba Charitable TrustThe Estate of Diana Steinberg

Gold PatronsThe Agran FamilyRuth & Henry AmarLoretta & Ronnie HarrisMyrna & Isaac KayeThe Lourie Family TrustLouise & Hilton NathansonSusan & Leo NoéJudy Piatkus & Cyril AshbergHilda & Marc Worth

Corporate PatronsAmlin UKAston ChaseBay Media LimitedBusiness Design CentreCambra StylesCharles Tyrwhitt ShirtsCity & Docklands Property GroupC J O’Shea Group LtdCP PlusDerwent LondonEarlcrownEndemolGalliard HomesGordon Brothers EuropeHalcyon GalleryIngram Winter GreenInvestec Specialist Private BankKnight FrankLatham & WatkinsProperty WeekReed SmithSaul D Harrison & Sons PlcSavillsSolomon Taylor & Shaw

PatronsLord Alliance CBEThe Atkin FoundationSharon & Edward AzouzAdrienne & Harvey BakerBBC Children in NeedPauline & Barry BeckJulia & Alan BekhorBig Lottery FundCarolyn & Harry BlackStanley & Zelda BlackSir Victor & Lady BlankPeggy & Paul BrettWillliam Browder & Maria VlasovaThe Clara E Burgess CharityThe Burkeman FamilySusan & John BurnsNicholas CandyThe Alfred Caplin Charity SettlementIrving Carter & FamilyThe Casey TrustThe Childwick TrustSir Trevor Chinn CVO & Lady ChinnThe City Bridge TrustJoanne & Stephen CohenR & S Cohen FoundationSheila & Denis Cohen Charitable TrustCecilia ColmanTom ContiThe Harold & Daphne Cooper Charitable TrustThe Sidney & Elizabeth Corob Charitable TrustErika & David CrockerMalcolm DagulBarbara & Mick DavisRita & Stanley DavisSuzanne & Henry DavisSuzi & Andrew DavisThe Dellal FoundationJonathan Dennis

Sheila & Alan DiamondDollond Charitable TrustSarah & Lloyd Dorfman CBEFreddie & Marion DurstBernie EcclestoneGraham EdwardsEsfandi Charitable FoundationEliane & Nabil FattalPriscilla & Alan FentonBeverley & Jonathan FeuerBarbara & Stanley Fink FoundationNick FisherGail & Michael FleschThe Flow FoundationBenita & Gerald FogelThe Football FoundationThe Oliver Ford TrustJoyce FreedSarah & Bernard FromsonBrenda & Alfred GarfieldJackie & Michael GeeSarah & Nick GoldAlison & Avi GoldbergMichelle & Jonathan GoldbergAdele & Michael GoldsteinEdna & Peter GoldsteinMartin GoreJulie & Charles GourgeyJahnene & Jonathan GreenGreen/Lawson FamilyThe Philip Green Memorial TrustSharon & Daniel GreenGerald Gundle Philanthropic TrustMaureen & Michael HaltrechtHarris Charitable TrustKaren & Andrew HarrisLord & Lady Harris of PeckhamRichard & Alex HatterLynda & Albert HayMorven & Michael HellerBarry Jacobs Charitable TrustFrances & Dick James Charitable SettlementSusan & Stephen JamesSir Elton John & David FurnishStanley Thomas Johnson FoundationSusan & Neville KahnLord Kalms & Lady Kalms MBEStephen KayThe Estates of the Late Charles

& Ellen KempsterThe Kennedy Leigh Charitable TrustHeather KerznerSol KerznerMarion & David KhaliliMarcia Kilgore & Thierry BoueFrances & Nathan KirshGerald KraftmanThe Kyte Charitable TrustCandy & Gary LandesbergThe Lawson FamilyThe Leslau FamilyVivien & Mostyn LeveinAlison & Miles LevyThe Ralph Levy Charitable CompanyAlicia & Steven LewisThe Bernard Lewis Family Charitable TrustThe Cecil & Hilda Lewis Charitable TrustMaisie & Raphael Lewis Charitable TrustStanley & Zea Lewis FamilyThe Loftus Charitable TrustBeverley & Ian MarcusAdrianne & Clive MarksThe Maurice Marks Charitable TrustWendy & David MellerSean & Lindy MelnickPhilippa & Richard MintzDiana & Allan MorgenthauSuzette & David MorrisJill & Brian Moss OBESandra & Bernie MyersNeil & Alison OstrerThe Doris Pacey Charitable FoundationMartin PaisnerElizabeth & Daniel PeltzMary-Anne & Tony Phillips-PageRuth & Michael PhillipsSara & Paul PhillipsMichelle & Adam PlainerThe Presidents Club LimitedSheila & Anthony RabinRamar Charitable TrustThe Raven Charitable TrustAlex & Clive ReidReuben FamilyHoward Reuben & Barbara WettreichThe Marc Rich Foundation for Education,

Culture and WelfareJamie & Joey RitblatSir John & Lady RitblatBianca & Stuart RodenThe Gerald Ronson FoundationThe Rose FoundationLesley & Murray RosenDavid & Ruth RosenbergElliot & Sue RosenbergIan & Emma RosenblattAnne & Daniel RubinThe Rubin FoundationAna & Julian SalisburyIlona & Kenny SchachterIsabelle & Ivor SeddonElizabeth & Irvine SellarHeskel Setty Charitable TrustKatrina & Jonathan ShalitMelanie & Michael SherwoodThe Maurice & Hilda Shifrin Charitable Trust

Andrée & Howard ShoreRebecca & Simon SilverSir Harry & Lady SolomonBrenda & Sidney SolomonsRosalyn & Nicholas SpringerSteinberg Family Charitable TrustSimon & Ingrid SterlingSandra & Michael TeacherLaura & Barry TownsleyAlexandra & David TuckerAnna & Paul WhiteThe Wigoder Family FoundationThe Harold Hyam Wingate FoundationThe Maurice Wohl Charitable FoundationDr Edward & Mrs Nadine WojakovskiShelley & Merrick WolmanAnita & Poju Zabludowicz

Corporate FriendsBrett Palos InvestmentsFirst Advantage Litigation ConsultingFirst ArtistHoward Kennedy SolicitorsJones Lang LaSalleThe MET GroupPremier Portfolio Financial Services LtdSGPB Hambros

FriendsSharon & Daniel AdlerSally & Henri AlsterBarry & Simmone AngelTirzah & Paul ArensonThe Paul Balint Charitable TrustLinda & Dennis BaylinMichael & Lesley BennettThe Herbert & Peter Blagrave Charitable TrustThe Bogod FamilyThe Sir Clive Bourne Family TrustLauren & Keith BreslauerDavid BurlandLoretta & Perry CashClaudia & Joe CohenThe Ernest Cook TrustThe Craps Charitable TrustPeter Cruddas FoundationJudy & David DangoorSir Harry Djanogly CBE & Lady DjanoglyMichael EdelsteinTony Eisen & FamilyJoanne & David EreiraEttlinger FamilyThe Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable TrustAndrea Dennis & Robin FisherAmanda & Adam FormanSonia FoxMark & Amanda GershinsonCharlotta & Roger GhersonRebecca & Mark GoldbartSharon & Jonathan GoldsteinSusan & Richard GoldsteinThe Jordan Max Goodman Charitable TrustLydia & Manfred GorvyJane & Michael GrabinerThe Grant FamilyMarcia & Michael GreenRuth & Nick GreenVivienne & Russell GreenNick Grossmark & Graeme MurtonLynne & Jonathan HammeThe Spencer Hart Charitable TrustHeart Research UKThe Dorothy Jacobs CharityLouise & Alan JacobsSue & Peter JacobsGeoffrey Jayson & Judith KatzlerJet & John KelmansonThe Kenton FamilySidney Kingsley TrustThe Kirschel FoundationIsrael Lazarus Charitable TrustEsther & Gerry LeeJennifer & Howard LeighDebby & David LipkinHilda & Sam MarksStacey & Matt MillerHarriet Heyman & Michael MoritzSusan & Paul MoserTony PageThe Peires Family FoundationThe Oren & Rachel Peleg FoundationVivian & Jeremy PfefferThe Porter FoundationSara & Robert PrevezerClare & David RaffVivian & Michael RahamimThe Rapp FamilyNaomi & Stuart RussellMuriel & Freddy SalemSamantha & James SansonThe Schmidt Bodner Charitable TrustJosephine & Richard SegalGabrielle & Steven SharpeNicky & Alex ShinderKatie & Benjamin ShooterMichael SpencerGertrud SteinPenny & Mark SteinbergMax D Steinkopf Charitable SettlementJan & Graham SulkinVincent TchenguizToy Sweep CommitteeUnited Charities Fund of the Liberal

Jewish SynagogueWestlon Trust

The Majorie & Arnold Ziff Charitable FoundationLaura & Stephen Zimmerman

YN Chairman’s CircleAngela & Yonni AbramsonLouisa & Jeremy BrierZac Goodman & Gemma BrownRobin Lovat

YN Platinum PatronsSusan & Richard BeenstockDaniel DaggersRobert DesmondRichard Fine & Phanella Mayall FineEsther & Jonathan GallowayOliver GershfieldJoanne & Daniel GreenawayJustin GreensteinPhillip HymanCharlotte & Mark LazarusSam MorganPembertons LimitedRob RinderGrant SulkinGregg SulkinSuzanne & Joseph TagerNicola & Simon TagerAndrew Wolfin

YN PatronsDaniel BardigerValerie & Simon BeresfordMarc BergenHugo BieberAnna & Jamie BinstockNicole & Ben BraudeGaby & Lee DagulTanya & Danny DahanJoanna & Simon DeenSaul DoctorDavid EzraElizabeth FishelNatalie & Toby HarrisLaura & Rasheed HassanKelly & Darren HopkinsDaniel HowardSebastian Isaac & Sam NafissiKate & Daniel IsonDaniel KenigJack KirklandSophie & Adam LaufferJonathan LevyTimothy LovatAmanda & Daniel LyonsMichael LyonsJonathan NewmanNatasha & Matthew PhillipsJames ReichmanDaniel & Michelle SamsonJames ScottSam SenchalLeigh & Samuel ShaerfDanielle & Marc ShoffmanRichard Spector & Claire FreedmanNicole & Ryan SpringerAnna & Danny SteelSandy TapnackDavinia & Jeremy TeacherBenjamin VosJonathan WaltersSimon & Samantha WaltonCarly Warwick & Jonny NovickSteven WayneDanielle Weisz

YN FriendsPhilip BraininLaura & Michael CurtisJonathan DeanCharlotte Eder & Nicholas PaisnerAmy & Joshua FreedmanMichelle & Neir GigiAdam GoldmanHelaine GordonJack GrahamEmma & Joel GrayKate & Gareth HarwoodZoe & Marc IngramJam EventsMichael JazanovichJames LadermanSaul LemerJames Morris-ManuelJonathan NashAnna & Adam PhillipsAdam & Leah PomsonNicole & Mark RajbenbachJessica Ejdelbaum & Jourdan RajwanJessica & Simon RinderLiat & Danny RoukinGabriella & Oliver RussellSimon Saitowitz & Linsey ReayOrly & David SeloukRebecca & Dany ShafranEliot SolarzEllie & Adam SpreiRachael & Gavin StollarNicholas TrompeterAlex Hugo WaimanFiona WatsonJordan & Katie Williams

We gratefully acknowledge our Benefactors, Patrons & Friends who wish to remain anonymous.

Patrons