When the Essex Jewish News was invited by Jewish Care for an incredibly tasty salt beef lunch and personal tour of the charity’s new Sugar & Ronson Campus in Redbridge, both this paper’s editor Simon Rothstein and I thought we’d wandered into a five-star hotel by mistake.

I’m seldom at a loss for words, but trying to describe this incredible building leaves me in danger of running out of superlatives!

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described Jewish Care as the “gold standard” for the adult social care sector, and it’s easy to see why.

First impressions are of spacious, welcoming, stylishly designed and decorated eating and meeting areas, café’s, lounges, wide corridors and sheer comfort for all who make this their home, or their home from home.

The Sugar & Ronson Campus brings together care, community and support services for the local Jewish community under one roof, continuing the legacy of more than 50 years of Jewish Care services on the site.

The 66-bed Sugar Family Care Home provides residential, nursing, dementia and end-of-life care, as well as respite stays.

Alongside it is The Ronson Community Centre, a vibrant hub offering a programme of activities including live entertainment, dancing, card games, exercise classes, bridge, yoga, table tennis and Jewish festivals and community events.

One resident, Corinne, had just had her hair and nails done in the ground-floor salon available to care home and community centre members.

“It looks like a hotel, never in a million years did I think I’d be in a place like this!” she beamed happily.

Michael, a resident at The Sugar Family Care Home, added: “The whole building is fabulous. There’s everything here, they’ve done a wonderful job and the garden’s gorgeous too.”

Jewish Care continues to make the most of a unique opportunity to create a new hub for the whole new community in the heart of Essex.

At The Ronson Family Community Centre on-site café, members of the community can meet friends for breakfast, lunch or tea and join in a variety of different events.

People of all ages can come in simply for a coffee, or a meal with their relatives. And the Campus is designed as a gentle pathway to attend an activity, while also having access to services such as social work, Meals on Wheels, specialist dementia support and mental health services from Jami if and when they need them.

The Dennis Centre, specifically designed for people living with dementia, is also part of the campus. Dementia-informed design runs throughout this part of building – that has its own secure entry and exit – with furniture, flooring, lighting and colour choices helping to support orientation, safety and independence.

One regular member there, Rita, was blown away when she first arrived, saying, “It’s really wonderful and the staff can’t do enough for us.”

Our lunch was hosted in the excellent café, open to the wider community, and serving kosher meat meals, somewhere that it’s easy to meet, eat and socialise. This includes an incredibly tasty salt beef lunch which will be on the varied menu once a month and will also features at the legendary Salt Beef Suppers.

Richard Shone, Jewish Care’s Interim Director of Property and Hospitality, was one of our guides as he was last year when we toured what was then a building site full of promise.

‘Walking around with Richard – an Essex resident himself – and Community Hub Manager Neil Rebak, it was clear just how proud everyone is of what years of hard work have achieved.

And Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO, acknowledges deep gratitude for those who have made this new chapter possible, “All this would not have been achieved without the generosity of our cornerstone donors, the Sugar family, and the Ronson family through The Gerald & Gail Ronson Family Foundation, alongside a number of other key donors, and the support of the local community.”

Jonathan West z”l, Jewish Care’s late Director of Legal Affairs, Property and Procurement, was mentioned frequently. The new campus is a wonderful testament to his legacy.

One of the things that Simon and I loved most was seeing how the Jewish is being put into Jewish Care. From carefully chosen artwork reflecting different aspects of the Jewish experience, to classic Judaica loaned by local people, there are reminders of Jewish life everywhere.

Even the practical details have been carefully considered, for example in the way red and green tiles, plates and utensils are used throughout the campus to differentiate between meat and milk.

Jewish Care’s pastoral and spiritual lead, Rabbi Menachem Junik, already well known to many of the residents, says how wonderful it was being able to greet them, telling us: “Several admired the Jewish artefacts in the display case at the entrance. Many said that seeing that, and the mezuzahs we blessed on every door, made them feel truly at home.”

He was particularly moved by one lady’s request, adding: “She asked me to say a prayer with her to celebrate her move. It warmed my heart.”

The Sugar & Ronson Campus is open to anyone from across the Jewish community, with the needs of all Jewish affiliations covered, and services and activities designed to be inclusive and accessible.

Maureen Valins, who volunteers at both The Sugar Family Home and The Ronson Community Centre, said: “I just love it that everybody can now be together in the one building.”

This includes the young volunteers and participants of the MIKE youth leadership programme onsite – nurturing the community leaders of today and of the future. The building itself is a striking transformation of the site formerly occupied by Sinclair House, affectionately known as ‘Club’, and has been designed with Jewish life in mind. It is light, bright, spacious and fully accessible, while visual reminders throughout the campus recognise the history of the community and the services that came before.

The familiar Jewish Care staff and teams remain in place, providing continuity and trusted relationships for people who have used their services for years.

The Ronson Community Centre will also be available for community functions and events, including birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, anniversaries, meetings and shivas, with bookings available from February 2027.

And, importantly, this is not simply a place for people once they reach a particular stage of life. It has been designed to grow with them, offering opportunities to remain connected to the community and access support at different points in their lives.

I hope to revisit The Sugar & Ronson Campus after the Yom Tovim, when many more prospective residents will have completed their move in time for Chanukah.

Shana Tova to them all – and watch this space!

• For more information visit jewishcare.org/sugar-and-ronson-campus or contact 020 8922 2222, helpline@jcare.org

Pictures courtesy of Jewish Care

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More than 1,000 guests gathered at Jewish Care’s Annual Dinner for a moving celebration of the charity’s work, raising an incredible £5.6 million to support its life-changing services.

The evening placed Jewish Care’s clients and families, many from Redbridge and Essex, at its heart, with the charity’s clients, volunteers and supporters becoming the stars of the night.

You can read three of their powerful stories in the Rosh Hashanah edition of the Essex Jewish News.

The record-breaking amount raised will help Jewish Care meet the £20 million it needs each year, at a time of significantly growing demand and when many of its services receive no government funding.

Hosted at Grosvenor House by journalists and broadcasters Emily Maitlis and Rob Rinder MBE, who generously donated their time, the Dinner celebrated the impact of Jewish Care’s transformative services across the community. They highlighted the growing need for care, connection and support at every stage of life.

From Jami’s mental health services, now part of Jewish Care for people aged 11 and over, to specialist support for older people with increasingly complex needs, the evening showcased the breadth of the charity’s work. It also recognised how important this support is at a time of rising antisemitism in the UK and around the world.

Guests heard first-hand stories of the difference Jewish Care makes through its community services, dementia care, mental health support and end-of-life care.

One of those, Barbara Jaye – a regular volunteer in our region – spoke about the friendship and belonging many have found through Jewish Care’s community centres and programmes.

Taking a starring role on stage, being interviewed by former BBC Newsnight host Emily Maitlis, was also a special moment.

Barbara told the Essex Jewish News: “I really didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as I arrived the people who work for Jewish Care took me under their wing and explained everything to me… they didn’t leave my side!

“I met with Emily Maitlis, Rob Rinder and the West End star Emma Kingston. Also, Lord Levy seemed to recall he’d seen me at other events!

“Everybody who came up to me before and after my ‘debut’ on stage praised me and that’s what makes me smile. I feel sure the new Sugar & Ronson Campus will make a difference to many people in and around Redbridge and I am very excited that the community events will be moving there too!”

Jewish Care Chair Marcus Sperber said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to our hosts, Emily Maitlis and Rob Rinder, to Emma Kingston, to our table hosts, and to everyone whose time and support made the evening such a success.

“We are especially grateful to the clients and volunteers who shared their stories so movingly and are at the heart of all we do.

“We rely entirely on the generosity of our community to provide the highest quality care and support, rooted in dignity, respect and Jewish traditions and values, and we are immensely grateful to them.”

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By Pat Lidiker

The finishing touches are being made to The Sugar & Ronson Campus, set to open in Redbridge in summer 2026.

Jewish Care’s landmark hub will transform the way the charity cares for, connects with and reaches out to the Jewish community in Essex and north east London, bringing its services under one roof in a modern, inclusive and welcoming space.

Our never-before-seen photos show the outside of the purpose-built care and community campus … and we can’t wait to take you through the doors in future issues.

Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown said: “The build and finish stage is complete in The Sugar Family Care Home and the final touches are being made to The Ronson Community Centre and The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia.

“We are looking forward to opening the new first-class Sugar & Ronson Campus this summer, and seeing our long-held vision become a reality.”

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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.”

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The annual MIKE Youth Leadership Awards were hosted by Jewish Care at Woodford Forest United Synagogue to celebrate the graduation of 65 aspiring young community leaders.

Now in its 40th year, the organisation’s name stands for the values of Motivation, Inspiration, Knowledge and Education that are instilled into all participants. Many previous graduates are now leaders of our own communal organisations today.

Taliyah Buskin won the prestigious Saul Keene Award for Excellence in Youth Leadership, presented by Saul’s mother Nettie and brother Danny. A dedicated community leader, Saul tragically passed away in 2008 aged just 41. His family remain committed to continuing his legacy by recognising and supporting those who embody his values.

Jamie Shone, Jewish Care’s youth services lead and a previous recipient of the Saul Keene Award, praised Taliya’s dedication. He said: “She brings a big smile to every session, spreading happiness and laughter, making a positive impact on as many people as possible.”

Reflecting on her win, Taliyah said how shocked and honoured she felt, adding: “I really love the community MIKE has created, it has been such a rewarding experience from starting the programme in year 9 to now being able to give back as a staff member.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO of Jewish Care and former MIKE graduate himself, spoke about his pleasure in seeing the next generation stepping up. He told this year’s participants and their families: “I am very proud of all of you here. We’ve learned, very painfully, in the last 15 months just how difficult it can be to be a Jew in the modern world, so standing up and leading our community starts here with young people.”

This sentiment resonated with everyone in the room, calling attention to the powerful role graduates will play in securing a strong future for the Jewish community. This ethos lies at the very heart of the MIKE programme.

Richard Shone, also a former MIKE graduate, Jewish Care’s director of community services, volunteering, social work and hospitality, further underlined this by saying: “The programme aims to create leaders who inspire, care deeply and continue to make meaningful contributions long after they’ve graduated. I know that today’s recipients will do exactly that.” Maor Aharon won the Above and Beyond Award, recognising his commitment to giving back and exceptional leadership.

 On presenting the prize, Gabrielle Adda, Jewish Care’s youth service co-ordinator, said: “Maor is a true example of somebody who goes above and beyond. His selflessness and drive have been evident through his volunteer work in Israel and dedication to the programme over the years. He is an inspiration to us all.”

Maor added: “My journey has been fun and educational, contributing to my personal growth and leadership skills. It was a great honour and surprise to receive this and what an incredible way to complete my MIKE experience!”

After 40 years of success in Essex, the MIKE programme has extended to include a new cohort at Sandringham for young people in Stanmore and South Hertfordshire.

To register interest or for more information about MIKE Redbridge, please email youthservices@jcare.org, call 07391 738 281 or visit www.jewishcare.org.

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Jewish Care’s new care and community campus in Redbridge is progressing swiftly and remains on track for completion in summer 2026.

Enthusiasm has been building through site visits for the charity’s supporters, including Lord Sugar and Sir Gerald Ronson CBE – who, along with their families, are the cornerstone donors for the project.

Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown, told the Essex Jewish News: “We were excited to welcome members of the Sugar and Ronson families, along with key representatives of the Redbridge community, for a tour of our new first-class care and community campus for north-east London and Essex.

“We are also pleased to invite the local community on hard hat tours throughout this spring and summer, so that they too can share our excitement.”

The new, modern and fully accessible care and community campus will be on the site that was home to Sinclair House. It will include The Sugar Family Care Home, a 66-bed care home to replace Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House in Gants Hill, and the new Ronson Community Centre.

The new purpose-built development will also house The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia, Jewish Care’s local social work and community support team, Meals on Wheels hub, and Jami’s community hub in Redbridge, ensuring comprehensive care and support for the community.

In preparation for a smooth transition to the new care home, capacity for new long-term residents at Vi & John Rubens House care home is limited. The Jewish Care admissions team will continue to assess capacity and consider admissions on a case-by-case basis.

Jonathan West – Jewish Care’s  director of legal affairs, property and procurement – says the new campus should achieve an excellent BREEAM rating, the widely used environmental standard for assessing buildings.

He told us: “Designed for minimal energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions, the development incorporates high standards of health and well-being, responsible material sourcing, efficient waste management and water conservation.”

 The building and interiors are thoughtfully designed to support individuals with mobility challenges. Jewish Care has partnered with Park Grove, a specialist care home interior design company renowned as an industry leader in designing dementia-friendly and accessible care environments. Jonathan continued: “Specialist features will enhance the quality of life for residents and centre members, offering a safe, supportive and engaging environment.

“Level flooring throughout ensures easy navigation, particularly for those with mobility challenges.

“To accommodate visual impairments common in dementia, and conditions like macular degeneration, the colour scheme has been carefully selected to create strong contrasts between furniture, flooring and walls, making movement between spaces clearer and more intuitive.

 “Displays of traditional Jewish objects, as well as memorabilia from Sinclair House will be around the space to give a family atmosphere and help the community feel at home.”

Jewish Care will now be holding its first ever community fundraising campaign on 18-19 May, to raise the additional money needed to help complete this vision. Titled Always Essex, the campaign will be asking for support from anyone who lives in the area today, has done in the past and/or is keen to support the Jewish community of north east London and Essex now and into the future.

• For more information on how to donate, support or take a tour of the new care and community campus, please email info@jcare.org and visit jewishcare.org/redbridge.

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Daniel said: “We are delighted that our new development is taking shape and is on track for completion in 2026.

“In spring 2025, we will be inviting the local community on hard hat tours to begin to share in the excitement of seeing our long-held vision of this new first-class campus for north east London and Essex.”

Jewish Care recently held a tour for its cornerstone donors, the Sugar and Ronson families, along with key members of the Redbridge community.

In May 2025, the charity plans to hold an online community fundraising campaign, to raise the additional funds to help complete the vision for the new, modern and fully accessible campus.

Daniel added: “The hub will meet the needs of the local community in north east London and Essex, now and into the future.

“It will include The Sugar Family Care Home, a 66-bed care home to replace our Vi & John Rubens House care home in Gants Hill, The Ronson Community Centre, The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia, and the base for our local Social Work and Community Support Team and Meals on Wheels hub.”

• To register for one of the hard hat tours of the campus, please email info@jcare.org.

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Building on Jewish Care’s Sugar & Ronson Campus – a first-class care and community hub on the site of the old Redbridge Jewish Community Centre (RJCC) – is fully underway.

The campus will include the Sugar Family Care Home, a 66-bed residence that will replace Vi & John Rubens House, and the modern and fully accessible Ronson Community Centre.

It will also incorporate The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia, as well as providing a communal space and the base for the charity’s social and community support work.

Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown confirmed that building is scheduled to complete by June 2026.

He said: “We are delighted that this project is on schedule, reflecting efficient planning and execution. We know that the community will share our excitement at seeing our vision becoming a reality, after so many years.”

The Sugar & Ronson Campus is Jewish Care’s fourth development hub in the UK and the first in North East London and Essex. It is designed to meet the needs of the community both now and into the future.

Thanking those whose name it is taking, Daniel said: “It is because of the outstanding generosity from Lord Sugar and his family, together with the Ronson family via The Gerald and Gail Ronson Family Foundation, that this much-needed care and community campus is being built for the local community.”

He added: “Alongside their commitments – and funds already raised by the Redbridge Aid Golf Society, the Local Angels Committee and the Redbridge Sports Committee – we have been hugely supported by Hamberley Developments Limited and Patron Capital as our Development Coordinator.

“We are also truly grateful for the key role our local community has played in showing their support for the project during the process and we hope this will continue through future campaigns.”

Jewish Care is currently running a campaign to raise the remaining £5 million expected to be needed to complete the project.

Jonathan West, director of legal affairs, property and procurement, said: “The memories made at Redbridge Jewish Community Centre are so important to Jewish Care and to the community, so we have carefully preserved the memorabilia from decades of community life at RJCC – also known to many as Sinclair House or simply ‘Club’ – which will be displayed at the new campus when it opens.”

While building is underway, the RJCC’s day and adult community centre services will continues at Woodford Forest United Synagogue. Jewish Care’s Dennis Centre for people living with dementia, and its MIKE youth leadership programme, are operating from a dedicated space at Vi & John Rubens House during this interim period.

• For further updates, including a time-lapse film of the development so far, please visit www.jewishcare.org/Redbridge.

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To celebrate the occasion, the London Cantorial Singers together with members of the former Cranbrook United Synagogue choir joined forces at a Shabbat service at Cranbrook shul to present some of the music Monty had sung since he first joined a choir at the age of eight.

Cantor David Rome also took part in the service together with the shul’s minister, Rabbi Steven Dansky, who paid a warm tribute to Monty in his address.

Monty is a well-loved member of the community and has been involved in activities since he was a young boy. To celebrate turning 100, he also read his Bar Mitzvah portion in synagogue.

Earlier in the month, Monty and members of his family enjoyed a special celebration by Jewish Care at their regular Tuesday lunch and entertainment afternoon at Woodford Forest United Synagogue.

Monty and his wife Rhoda (pictured together at the Tuesday Club with his birthday balloons) have been married for more than 30 years. Between them, the couple have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Rhoda is also celebrating as she turned 93 shortly after Monty’s 100th.

• Full story to follow in the Rosh Hashanah print edition of the Essex Jewish News.

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UPDATE: We are very sad to share the news that local legend Sid Green has passed away. A full tribute will be in the next issue of the Essex Jewish News. You can read about the recent party in recognition of his incredible volunteering work here.

Warm tributes were paid to Sid Green at a surprise party in his honour to mark not only his 93rd birthday, but to celebrate his more than 45 years as a volunteer for Jewish Care.

Sid’s major contribution was to start, nine years ago, with the help of Ivor Lethbridge, the Chaps That Chat group where men could come together once a month to discuss current events, go on outings and have a chat among themselves.

Sid was presented with a framed certificate by Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown (pictured) to mark his incredible volunteering efforts and recognise his valuable commitment and contributions to the charity.

Sid said: “I am really blown away by this party and the lovely words said about me. Volunteering is something I do without thought, and I’m so grateful for such a wonderful day.”

The party took place at Woodford Forest United Synagogue and, among the tributes both in-person and via message, was one read out from Wes Streeting.

The Ilford North MP wrote: “Many years ago, at Sinclair House, you saw the need for a local group where men could get together and talk about current events affecting them and enjoy each other’s company.

“That journey would take you and Chaps That Chat to places like City Hall, the Imperial War Museum and, of course, the Houses of Parliament.

“The incredible success of Chaps That Chat speaks for itself. Your group has grown, not only because your members enjoy it… but because of your own determination.”

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