Charity caring for sick children planning 'therapeutic treats' for Rosh Hashanah

Volunteers for Camp Simcha help pack and deliver boxes for seriously ill young people, which include toys and honey cake, arts and crafts

A Jewish charity looking after seriously ill children has said it is planning “therapeutic treats and entertainment” for the Jewish holiday season, with events including remote baking activities.

Volunteers for Camp Simcha said it was sending “boxes of New Year sweetness and fun” including toys and cake to families across the UK in part to mitigate anxiety over rising Covid-19 infections.

“The Jewish holidays can be a difficult time for Camp Simcha families because they are juggling the demands and restrictions of their child’s illness with the desire to celebrate the High Holy Days in the ‘normal’ way,” said the charity’s Daniel Gillis.

Volunteer Atara Schapira delivering a box

“This year we will all be coming into Rosh Hashanah missing that sense of community that we would usually have but for those with very vulnerable, sick children, it will feel even more isolating.”

More than 30 volunteers helped pack and deliver the boxes full of treats like honey cakes and biscuits, and arts, crafts and toys, while as part of its hospital outreach and awareness raising programme, the charity also sent 70 honey cakes in for staff at hospitals in and around London.