Jewish Deaf Association chief given award for services to the community

The head of the Jewish Deaf Association has been given a special award for her services to deaf people.

Sue Cipin, the CEO of the charity, was presented with the Barnet Civic Award for Lifetime Achievement, which is given to one person a year for ‘exceptional’ commitment in the borough.

She was handed the honour by the deputy mayor of Barnet, Cllr Lachhya Bahadur Gurung, after being nominated by Mike Freer MP and Rabbi David Lister of Edgware United Synagogue.

“I am honoured to win this award, but even more than that I am so proud of the incredible work all our staff have done – keeping so many vulnerable deaf and deafblind people safe, well and mentally stable,” she said.

“Being a part of the JDA community is not only crucial to our clients, but feeds the souls of all of us who are lucky enough to work here.”

Clients of the charity also put Sue forward for the award. One, Neil Kaufman, said: “Sue has improved the lives of so many people who, through lack of communication, can often feel left out of society. 

“She goes the extra mile to ensure that the JDA caters for us all.”