Sir Nicholas Hytner and Jonathan Freedland in conversation at Nightingale Hammerson
Patrons’ gala reception draws leading figures from the Jewish community, philanthropy and the arts
Nightingale Hammerson welcomed more than 150 supporters to its annual Patrons’ Gala Reception on Tuesday at Hammerson House, Wohl Campus.
Guests enjoyed a special ‘in conversation’ session between theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner and award-winning journalist Jonathan Freedland who offered reflections on storytelling, the current divisions in society, antisemitism and the enduring importance of dialogue and understanding.
Opening the evening, Chairman Paul Althasen reflected on Nightingale Hammerson’s 185-year legacy of service to the Jewish community and its continued commitment to providing outstanding residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care. The average age of residents at the homes is 91 with more than 10 centenarians. He highlighted the growing complexity of care needs among older people, the increasing prevalence of dementia and the organisation’s unwavering principle that no resident is ever asked to leave due to financial circumstances.
Chief Executive Jenny Pattinson delivered a deeply personal address, connecting the themes of the evening with the everyday reality of care at Nightingale Hammerson. She spoke about the importance of “seeing people truly,” listening to residents’ stories, preserving dignity and building relationships grounded in trust, compassion and humanity.
Reflecting on the topics raised by Sir Nicholas Hytner and Jonathan Freedland, she explained how their conversation powerfully echoed the charity’s own mission: “At its heart, our work is also about seeing people, listening to their stories, honouring their identity, preserving their dignity, building trust and creating belonging.”
Harvey Rosenblatt MBE highlighted the vital role philanthropy plays in sustaining and expanding Nightingale Hammerson’s enriching engagement programmes and specialist dementia care initiatives.
“There are now five million people in the UK over the age of 75 and 1.4 million over the age of 85,” he said. “This position is financially unsustainable and is the reason why successive governments have kicked the can down the road and have failed to recognize or make any provision for the looming crisis in the social care sector.
“This is an economic time bomb. The truth is that people are living longer, much longer, and the economy and our dwindling workforce can’t support them.”