10 September 2019

Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue has featured in a new report from FaithAction on the ways in which faith groups are working to tackle loneliness and isolation.

The report describes how NPLS “is a community finding innovative ways to address loneliness throughout its membership”.

It notes that the synagogue has a dedicated care coordinator and 23 volunteers on the care team helping to arrange everything from home and hospital visits to weekly events. There are pizza and jam evening for teenagers, the ‘Memory Matters Cafe’ for those living with dementia and regular calls, invitations and offers of transport for all.

A guiding force behind what NPLS do is a recognition that individuals need more than statutory services can offer in order to find belonging and purpose.

Northwood’s Rabbi Aaron Goldstein is quoted numerous times in the report. He says: “There is a gap between statutory device and communities. They do not appreciate how much faith and community places are doing to help people.”

FaithAction is a network national network of faith-based and community organisations seeking to serve their communities through social action and by offering services such as health and social care, childcare, housing and welfare to work.

Click here to read the full report.