This Rosh Hashanah, Jewish Care is asking the community to support the many small acts of kindness across the charity’s services that we see every day which restore joy, strengthen resilience, and give comfort to those in the community who receive our support.
Roger has always loved music. In his younger years, he would play the guitar for hours, filling his home song. But as Roger’s dementia developed, his memories of his guitar-playing days started to fade – until he met Edmund.
Edmund isn’t just a Music in Healthcare Practitioner; he’s something of a magician. Edmund runs music therapy sessions at the Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia. Before these sessions, Roger had not played for anyone other than his wife in years. With Edmund’s gentle encouragement, Roger started bringing his guitar to the centre and is now able to perform his favourite songs again.
“Once you put the guitar in Roger’s hands, it opens up his creative mind,” says Edmund. “Even if the right note doesn’t come out every time, it’s the creativity and the ease that comes with playing the guitar that is fulfilling to watch.”
Each music therapy session is a reminder of the powerful way music can reach those living with dementia and help individuals to connect.
For 97-year-old Vivienne, Colin, who drives the bus to The Ronson Family Community Centre at Jewish Care’s Sandringham care and community campus, lights up her week. Once isolated and unable to get out on her own, Vivienne loves going to the Centre three times a week, where she socialises and has fun. As well as offering a smile and a reassuring arm, Colin offers Vivienne support and connection.
The same care, attention, and understanding is there for Sadie and the connection she has with Jewish Care social worker, Yvonne. When Sadie lost her beloved husband, Fred, she was grieving and isolated. Yvonne supported Sadie as she decided to move into Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House care home in Redbridge, where Sadie has found comfort and companionship in a warm and supportive community.
Rosh Hashanah reminds us of the importance of supporting these connections. As the shofar sounds, we reconnect to Rosh Hashanahs gone by, and we are all called to remember and renew, to treasure our memories and to strengthen our relationships. In supporting people like Roger, Vivienne and Sadie, we are further reminded that small acts of kindness can change the world.
Ellisa Estrin, Jewish Care’s Fundraising & Marketing Director, says, “Our social work and community support services, along with our community and dementia day centres, provide vital support for many older people in the community. However, these services receive no government funding, and we continue to rely on the generous support of the community to keep these vital services running. Thank you for all that you do to support us. Wishing you Shanah Tovah, may the coming year bring good health for us all.”
Please donate to Jewish Care’s Rosh Hashanah appeal by visiting jewishcare.org/roshhashanah or calling 020 8922 2600.
For advice and support contact us on 020 8922 2222, email helpline@jcare.org or visit jewishcare.org/dementia