Jewish social care leaders from across Europe learned about Kisharon from Operations Director Julia Brown when she spoke at the 12th European Annual Conference of Jewish Social Welfare in Prague in November.

In a brief overview of Kisharon, Julia explained how individuals we support progress from Tuffkid Nursery to Kisharon School, then to supported living in the Jewish community with opportunities for work experience and paid jobs. She spoke of the successes and the challenges Kisharon faces.

Other speakers raised topics facing all the Jewish communities in Europe: caring for Shoah survivors, how to support different generations living under one roof and mental health issues.

Under discussion too was how best to evaluate the services a community needs and then planning them to provide effective and timely support.

Another session examined the future of Jewish communities in Europe and the need to share knowledge, draw up solutions and exchange ideas.

Julia said: “It was an amazing few days with precious time to explore key areas facing all of our communities across Europe against reducing budgets, increasing life expectancy, morbidity and so on.”

The way forward for all communities is to increase networking, create more meaningful volunteering opportunities and to support people to look after their wellbeing, she said

The meeting was organised by the European Council of Jewish Communities (ECJC), whose work is based on the Talmudic concept that all Jews are responsible for each other. It creates opportunities for all Jewish communities to show solidarity and responsibility and to ensure that Jews in Europe are never denied basic rights.