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Kisharon salutes its heros

09 November 2020

Kisharon’s support workers put the people they cared for above the needs of their own families during the first lockdown.

Some even put themselves at risk of infection by going with when people they supported went into hospital.

One of those whose family took second place as the crisis took hold was Team Leader Naomi Arodu. She cares for her grandson, Zayne, one, but when his childminder shut down during the lockdown she had to make a difficult decision. Naomi said: “I know Sabrina (who she supports) likes to see me on duty so I made this my priority. I arranged for my cousin to care for Zayne while I worked.”

Others gave up time with their own families to support Kisharon people who were unable to be with theirs. Ordinarily, Support Worker Joshua Lew spends his Friday nights and Shabbat mornings bringing a taste of orthodox Judaism to men in supported living at Montpelier Rise, singing, eating and praying together. But knowing that on Pesach, the men couldn’t have an authentic Seder without him, he left his own family and ran a Seder for them instead.

Most staff had to explain to those they support, often time and time again, about the coronavirus pandemic and keep reminding them about handwashing. Olugbenga Adekoya, Team Leader at Montpelier Rise said: “A lot of our time was spent reassuring the men, explaining why they need to isolate and telling them the reasons behind social distancing.”

Deeply concerned about the virus and the severity of the situation for those with pre-existing health conditions, Olugbenga encouraged the men to isolate, not to mix with each other and to eat meals in their bedroom even before the lockdown began.

The curb on outings, sports, work and other everyday activities, as well as the pause in face-to-face family visits, was difficult to deal with for people Kisharon supports, many of whom thrive on routine.

Staff had to think creatively to come up with alternative activities to pass the time. Support Workers Ibukun Akinola and Oluseyi Olotu took Simon, who they support, for long walks  sometimes lasting up to two hours. They did cookery, painting and played ping pong. Knowing Simon loved music and football, they played his favourite hits from the 80s and followed the fortunes his favourite teams. Oluseyi said: “He is a lovely guy but has a short attention span and many of the activities he really enjoys weren’t possible during the lockdown.”

Support Workers pulled out all the stops to make Zoom sessions a success. Not only did the activities engage and entertain those stuck at home, but people watching were reassured by seeing their friends on screen.

Team Leaders Adeola Owodunni and Stanley Omooni help set up many of the activities. Stanley spoke to individuals and their families to check the online offering of existing and brand new activities suited everyone. He said: “It was reassuring for them to see friends on Zoom. It showed they weren’t the only ones in this situation.”

Shimron Palmer ran exercise sessions on Zoom but immobility and lack of fitness was no excuse not to take part. As well as normal exercise, Shimron always ran alternatives for the more sedentary.

Making music and running Jewish services on Zoom was a first for Rabbi Shmuel Neuman who plays at celebrations and religious events across Kisharon. But he rapidly developed a personal rapport with his Zoom audience, speaking to everyone at home to make the sessions were entertaining and meaningful.

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Pirkei Avos
“The world stands on three things: Torah, the service of G-d, and deeds of kindness.” Kisharon looks at the person not the disability, teaching Torah, Middos and Mitzvot embracing and cherishing everybody’s special talent and bringing out the best in them.