Author: Robyn

Jewish Care Scotland’s Senior Support Worker, Jean Guthrie, has been named a finalist at the Scottish Care Care at Home Awards 2025 in the Leadership Category.  Jean joined Jewish Care Scotland almost two years ago and has brought a wealth of experience in care as well as an abundance of passion and determination to provide quality care.  Every day Jean goes above and beyond and sets a great example for all her colleagues.

 

JCS Deputy Chief Executive, Robyn Friel said of the news, “Jean is a valued member of the team who really does go above and beyond every day for the people we support.  Jean leads by example and is a real inspiration to all the staff team and to the volunteers who support the work of Jewish Care Scotland in the Community too.  This recognition is so deserved and we are all so proud to have Jean on the team.”

 

The winner will be revealed at the Scottish Care Care at Home Awards in Glasgow in May.

 

Jewish Care Scotland and their team members have been recognised by a national care awards.  The charity and some of their team have been shortlisted at the Scottish Care Care at Home and Housing Support Awards 2024.

 

Jacqueline Speirs, Support Worker with Jewish Care Scotland since early 2023 has been shortlisted in the Emerging Talent category.  This award will recognise someone new to the sector or someone who has grown in their role to become a shining example of the care at home workforce.  This is Jacqueline’s first professional care role following a successful career in marketing and this recognition is well deserved following such a positive impact on the team and the people supported by Jewish Care Scotland.

Jewish Care Scotland CEO Linda Kemp has been recognised in the Positive Impact category, which will recognise someone who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the sector.  Linda has brought over 35 years’ management experience within health and social care across the private and public sectors including the NHS, Scottish Prison Service, Local Authority, private care provision and the Care Inspectorate to Jewish Care Scotland since her appointment in August 2022.

The organisation, based in Giffnock, has also been shortlisted in the prestigious Provider of the Year category.  The charity adapted their service delivery due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns in 2020 to be able to offer care at home.  These services have increased in demand since then and have a hugely positive impact on those who are supported by the service.

 

The winners will be announced at the Scottish Care Care at Home & Housing Support Awards in Glasgow in May.

Jewish Care Scotland have received a grade 5 following an unannounced visit from the Care Inspectorate at the end of October.  The grade 5, an evaluation of very good, applies to performance that demonstrates major strengths in supporting positive outcomes for people.

 

The inspection focussed on JCS’s registered services, including the weekly JCS Wellbeing Hub at Walton Community Care Centre and care at home.  The service is provided to adults and older people from the Jewish Community with the aim of reducing loneliness and isolation and to increase feelings of wellbeing.

 

The key messages from the report include that the service provides a high level of person-centred care, and that the support is highly valued by the people who use the service.

 

Linda Kemp, Chief Executive at JCS, said: “I am delighted by the content of our Care Inspectorate report. It is extremely positive and identifies significant key strengths in all areas.  The report is a testament to the valuable contribution of all JCS staff.”

 

The JCS Wellbeing Hub provides registered day care to individuals who might otherwise struggle to get out and about.  With the support of trained staff, people can attend the weekly group in Giffnock to enjoy a morning coffee with friends and have a hot, two-course kosher lunch.  The JCS Wellbeing Hub offers access to meaningful activities, a cultural and social connection to suit individual needs.

 

JCS social support visits focus on improving and maintaining wellbeing, providing an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities and to maintain cultural and social connections.   A recipient of JCS social support visits said, “without JCS I would be unable to leave the house.  Getting out has really helped me as I continue to recover from my stroke.”

 

The Care Inspectorate Inspection Report said of the service, “The social interaction provided by attending the Thursday session was valuable to people.  Social support was the focus of both the Thursday day centre and the one-to-one home visits.

“The individual social support allowed people to access their local community as well as the wider Jewish community. This was important for people who wished to maintain that important part of their lives and needed some support to do so.”

 

The full report is available to view here.  Further information on JCS services available can be found by emailing hello@jcarescot.org.uk.

 

November 2023

Last week, the Board of Trustees welcomed Jewish Care Scotland staff, volunteers and members of the Tankel family to an intimate reception to launch The Albert and Alice Tankel Bursary Fund.

In 2017, after the passing of her beloved husband Albert, former Chairman and Honorary President of Jewish Care Scotland, Alice set up the Albert Tankel Bursary fund. Continuing Alice’s ethos to do all she could to help others, the purpose of the fund was to ensure access to education, training and development opportunities for staff and volunteers, with the aim of ultimately benefitting the people we support.

This year, Jewish Care Scotland received a further contribution following the passing of Alice.  The family requested the fund be renamed The Albert and Alice Tankel Fund.

Since it was established, the bursary fund has enabled two JCS staff members the opportunity to complete their SVQ3 qualifications as well as providing first aid and mental health awareness training for staff and volunteers.  Most recently, staff and volunteers have completed dementia awareness training.  These courses better equip staff and volunteer teams to fulfil their roles safely, and to the maximum impact for the people we support.

Guests shared memories of Albert and Alice and reminisced about their contributions to Jewish Care Scotland.  Albert and Alice Tankel did so much for Jewish Care Scotland and the community in their lives, and we are so grateful that their legacy continues in supporting our staff and volunteer development now and in the future thanks to the Albert and Alice Bursary Fund.

 

 

Jewish Care Scotland are looking for motivated and enthusiastic people to join our Board of Trustees. If you are keen to make a difference and contribute to the governance of Jewish Care Scotland we want to hear from you.

Our Board meets every six to eight weeks, in the evening at our Giffnock office. Board Members are also invited to join sub-committees including Finance and Audit, Building and Fundraising.

No previous Board experience is necessary, but we are interested to hear from professionals with a background in social care or mental health to complement the existing skillset on the Board.

For an informal discussion, please contact CEO Linda Kemp by emailing Lindak@jcarescot.org.uk or call 0141 620 1800.

In recognition of increasing costs and pressure on low-income families we are delighted to announce that kids eat free at Welcome Wednesday this summer!

 

From Wednesday 28 June and throughout the summer holidays, bring the kids along to Welcome Wednesday to choose from our delicious selection of soup, sandwiches, a snack and a drink.

 

Every Wednesday from 12pm to 3pm at Walton Community Care Centre, May Terrace.  Everyone is welcome!

Get set for summer grant

 

Jewish Care Scotland recognise the additional costs that summer can bring for families – activities, childcare, food, new school uniforms etc.

 

We are happy to announce that our “Get set for Summer” grant is now open for applications.  The one-off grant is designed for households with children, who have limited income and might struggle to meet the additional costs associated with this time.

 

Our team can also work with applicants to identify any other support they might be able to access.  All applications are handled by our staff team with discretion and respect.

 

Email Jean at hello@jcarescot.org.uk or call 0141 620 1800 to apply.