Jewish Women’s Aid volunteers shortlisted for award

Jewish Women’s Aid volunteers have been shortlisted for the Volunteer Team of The Year award at the Third Sector Excellence Awards 2020, with the winners being announced in early October.

The charity supports women experiencing domestic abuse or violence, which has skyrocketed during the coronavirus lockdown, and its volunteers are trained counsellors who often have to get the women out of the home to safety.

“Our volunteers support our work in so many different ways and it’s amazing to see their dedication and skills recognised by such a high-profile voice in the charity sector,” said JWA chief executive Naomi Dickson. “We are all really proud.”

Erica Silas, a JWA volunteer ambassador from Finchley, said she began at the age of 57 “to help raise awareness that domestic abuse in our community is real and happening now”, adding: “To be shortlisted for an award is such an endorsement for why we do what we do.”

The Holocaust Educational Trust was also nominated in the same category, and the winners of this year’s Third Sector Awards, which recognise the achievements of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises, will be announced over a two-day virtual event from 7-8 October.