“We thought you were just a play place. How wrong we were”
The Jewish Family Centre in Golders Green, initially a recreational space, has become a lifeline for families needing support in many aspects of their lives
As a mum with a large family, Sandy Weinbaum wanted somewhere her kids could go to play, where she would also feel comfortable. She founded the Jewish Family Centre in Golders Green in 2000 as an activity hub where mums and their children could hang out.
She noticed that there were women who were coming in to the Centre as the doors opened and staying until they closed. Some of them were begging for food from other visitors to give their kids at lunchtime. “I realised there are people who are literally falling through the cracks because there’s nobody for them to turn to,” says Sandy.
The centre now focuses on all aspects of social care, supporting Jewish families, particularly the most vulnerable, with low-cost or free therapy and advocacy services.
“With 80 percent of our resources now being channeled towards social care we provide social workers who will advocate for you with schools, with the police, with the local authority, if you have got involved with social services for any reason,” says Sandy.
The Jewish Family Centre offers:
1. Enriching family activities and programmes that foster connection, confidence and community, especially in the early years of childhood and parenting.
2. Navigating complex systems to help families access services, advocate for their needs, and manage challenges across legal, safeguarding, health and educational systems.
3. Direct support, from therapy and parenting guidance to contact visits and practical life skills.
“We’re there when families need us most,” says Sandy.
Baby yoga, sensory play, arts & crafts, baby clinics, pre-school developmental programmes, educational courses for parents and family activities mean that the Jewish Family Centre is a culturally appropriate and safe place for families to enjoy themselves. But it is also so much more. A dedicated Family Support Team provides social workers, family support workers, legal advocates, counsellors and adult and child therapists. The Centre is highly regarded by Barnet Social Services, judges in the Family Court, and IRO (Independent Reviewing Officers) in the case of child protection.
In this safe and non-judgemental space everyone is treated with care and respect, discreetly getting the support they need.
The Jewish Family Centre is holding its annual Charity Extra Matched-fundraising campaign on 31 May -1 June. When families struggle in silence, your support helps us listen and find the support they need, before quiet struggles become lasting ones. Visit charityextra.com/jfc to show your support.
Jewish Family Centre is at 2a St George’s Road, London NW11 0LR
Tel: 0208 209 1117
info@jewishfamilycentre.org.uk
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The Jewish Family Centre is holding its annual Charity Extra Matched-fundraising campaign on 31 May -1 June. When families struggle in silence, your support helps us listen and find the support they need, before quiet struggles become lasting ones.
Go to www.charityextra.com/jfc to show your support.