5 February 2019

Memory Matters – the club run by Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) for people suffering from memory loss and associated difficulties – has won a major award from Jewish Care.

NPLS was named the ‘Outside Organisation That Makes a Significant Contribution to Jewish Care’ at the charity’s annual Betty and Aubrey Lynes Volunteer Awards.

The NPLS team were presented with their prize by comedian and script writer Ivor Baddiel, who hosted the evening, and Jewish Care chair Steven Lewis.

The Memory Matters Club – a partnership between NPLS and Jewish Care which began in 2015 – runs fortnightly at the synagogue and offers the opportunity for people to find a new hobby, revisit favourite pastimes and build friendships, as well as enjoy a three-course hot lunch with stimulating activities.

NPLS care co-ordinator Angela Peters said: “We are all thrilled and delighted to receive this award. There really is something stimulating for everyone at Memory Matters, including gentle yoga, singing, discussion groups, arts and crafts, knitting and table-top games.

“A team of 18 committed and dedicated volunteers organise and help to run the club and, together with Jewish Care, they are developing a meaningful and much needed programme for the Jewish community.”

Synagogue chair Mimi Konigsberg added: “The whole NPLS community is so proud that our Memory Matters volunteers have won this Jewish Care award. This partnership scheme has grown from small beginnings to a vital service that makes a difference in the lives of our community.“

The dinner and awards ceremony was held at the Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet, with winners ranging in age from 15 to 97.