BIG LOTTERY FUND AWARD for the JDA

A “lifeline” service for the Deaf community in north London has been awarded more than £170,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Earlier this month Barnet based Jewish Deaf Association heard that its unique programme for the 70s to 90s age group had been presented with the prestigious grant.

The charity, the only specialist Jewish facility of its kind in the UK, offers a huge variety of practical and emotional support and assistance to the Deaf and Deafblind community who communicate in British Sign Language.

Amongst many other services for D/deaf people of all ages and faiths, the JDA runs a specific programme for its older members, which includes a weekly day centre, lessons in computing, social and cultural events and personalised support with everyday activities including interpreting at medical, dental, optical and legal appointments.

We are also able to assist with interpreting at emergency hospital visits and provide companionship and help with activities such as shopping. In addition, those less mobile are given the support needed to lead as independent and fulfilling a life as possible, in their own homes.

The grant, some £172,551, is part of The Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme which aims to create healthier and more active communities. The funds will help ensure the programme’s safety for the next three years by contributing to the salary costs of three key members of staff.

For 95-year-old Minnie Goldberg, who lives alone in her north London flat, the JDA offers invaluable support. She said: “The days are long and lonely. No one can communicate with me. Not the wardens, the neighbours, even my doctor. It’s the JDA that communicates with me and for me. Without the JDA I’d feel completely alone, but with everything they do for me and all the events I can go to I am happy. It has been and still is my lifeline.”

One Deafblind service user added: “At the JDA I am made to feel special. I am included in everything rather than being an outsider. It’s where I feel comfortable and looked after. In every sense it is my second home.”

The funding is being targeted at the most needy and vulnerable of the JDA’s members; older members of the Deaf and Deafblind community, some of whom have mobility or learning difficulties.

Executive Director Sue Cipin said: “As our members get older and their families are no longer able to look after them, many of our clients have nowhere and no one else to turn to. Here at the JDA we help them maintain optimum physical and mental health, secure in the knowledge that they never have to feel, or cope, alone.”

But with no statutory funding and no similar facility provided by Barnet Social Services, the pressure is on to keep this vital service going and the lottery grant alone is not enough.

Ms Cipin added: “The needs of this community are growing faster than the resources are. The funding is confirmation for us that the work we are doing is beneficial to the community and the fact that they have endorsed us in this way is very meaningful. But in order to continue and expand this very important work we need to secure our financial future further.”

For more information please contact Sue Cipin, Executive Director at JDA on 020 8446 0502.

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