By Pat Lidiker
Jewish Care’s annual Betty and Aubrey Lynes Volunteer Awards honoured a number of winners from Essex and East London.
The event was held in Barnet and compered by TV and radio scriptwriter Ivor Baddiel. Awards were handed out by Marcus Sperber, Chair of Jewish Care, who said: “We know that our work would not be possible without all of you who volunteer alongside us and who commit to supporting our members, residents, clients, tenants and their relatives every day.
“In times of challenge, your commitment to volunteering and communal service stands as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even in times of adversity when we come together and unify, we can make a difference and create positive change.”
Winners from our region included:
The Sonia Douek Volunteer of the Year Award: Lesley Midda
This award was presented by Michelle Weiner, and was created in memory of her mother, the late Sonia Douek, a deeply respected leader at Jewish Care and a pioneer of person-centred care.
It was presented to Lesley Midda, who was honoured for embodying the same spirit of dedication, kindness and excellence that defined Sonia’s work.
In her acceptance speech, Lesley said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. Volunteering has never been about recognition, it’s been about showing up, doing what I can and being part of something bigger than myself. But this acknowledgment means a lot. It reminds me that every hour, every effort and every small act truly matters.”
Contribution to Management Award: Sandra Brandes
At the Brenner Stepney Jewish Community Centre, Sandra has been a consistent and compassionate presence, volunteering twice weekly, making befriending calls, and contributing to fundraising efforts through the Friends of Brenner Stepney Committee.
She said: “I feel so honoured. We put in such hard work, it’s so nice to be recognised.”
Innovative and Creative Award: Simon Elman
Befriender Simon Elman was celebrated for creating volunteer meetups, creating a space for them to share stories, advice, and encouragement over coffee. It was a simple yet brilliant idea, and Simon made it happen. His suggestion has now expanded, and the befriending team hosts volunteer coffee mornings in Golders Green, Edgware and East London.
Thanks to Simon, volunteers now feel more connected, better supported, and empowered in their roles. This initiative has strengthened the overall befriending programme and brought renewed energy and camaraderie to those involved.
He shared: “We don’t do what we do for awards, we do them because we love our community, but to be acknowledged is a wonderful thing. I’ve worked with Jewish Care for 18 years now, it is so lovely to be recognised and a very humbling experience. It is a joy to be here.”
Unsung Hero Award – Rita Rogers and Albert Joseph
Rita was honoured for over 20 years of volunteering across Jewish Care’s Redbridge community and dementia programmes. She has got to know each of the members well and supports them with care and kindness, while also being a great source of encouragement to fellow volunteers and staff. Always happy to help, Rita steps in for extra shifts and brings positivity to every role she takes on. Rita has also raised funds for Jewish Care by crafting and selling her handmade stuffed animals.
Albert was recognised for his dedication delivering Meals on Wheels to vulnerable residents in Redbridge and Stepney Green.
Albert said: “I love working for Jewish Care and the job that we all do is amazing. The award that I have received is so meaningful and I feel so appreciated.”
Rita added: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed and shocked that I got the award for Unsung Hero, it means the world to me because I love being a volunteer, it gives me great pleasure in everything I do.”
Team of the Year Award – Pastoral Support Volunteers
The Pastoral Support Volunteers from the End-of-Life Team were celebrated for their compassion and teamwork in providing emotional and spiritual care to residents and their families. Whilst working with the most vulnerable residents approaching the end of their life, the Pastoral Volunteers’ strength lies not only in individual compassion, but in how their work also supports a wider team.
Maureen Valins is one of the group. She said: “I just feel really privileged. Before I had this role, I was visiting someone I knew at Vi & John Rubens and being the person she last spoke to made me feel so honoured. It was then I started doing pastoral support. I’ve had to say goodbye to lots of people, but it feels so meaningful, and I value the time that I can share with each person every time I visit, even more.”
Volunteer Patrons Awards – Mandi Dobias, John Stilitz, Clive Wiseman, Sharon Levy and Taryn Levin
Awards on the night also went to Mandi Dobias, John Stilitz, Clive Wiseman, Sharon Levy and Taryn Levin, each recognised for their outstanding commitment to community, from organising Holocaust survivor tea parties to running local befriending groups and supporting operational services.
Richard Shone – Jewish Care’s Director of Community Services and Volunteering – lives in the area and told of the incredible contribution volunteers make in Essex and beyond. He said: “Each of them makes a huge difference every day to the lives of those we support, and we are truly grateful – we couldn’t do what we do without them.”
