Kisharon’s inset day, when we review our performance and commit to action for the year ahead, fell in Elul. This is the time of the year in the Jewish calendar when we examine our own lives with the same introspection in preparation for Rosh Hashanah.

Kisharon has achieved a huge amount over the past year including: being approved for Free School status; opening a further education college in Stamford Hill; refurbishing and opening the new supported living scheme in Leeside Crescent; a Good CQC inspection; upgrading all adult service facilities; integrating a new fundraising database; rebranding and launching our new website and most latterly, winning the coveted Ruderman Foundation Prize for Inclusion. These momentous achievements have been made possible through the commitment and shared vision of every member of staff.

For the year ahead, we will continue to focus on providing high-quality sustainable services for individuals with learning disabilities. For the school, our aim is to obtain planning permission for our proposed new building. In supported living, we are excited to be opening a new residence for women in Golders Green. We will help potential clients to secure tenancies and support packages and acquire more high-quality local accommodation by working closely with housing associations. Lastly, in addition to developing our current businesses, we will focus on creating new sustainable enterprises to provide more employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities.

It is clear that not-for-profit organisations are the future of care provision in the United Kingdom and it is exciting that Kisharon is now so well placed to achieve growth and meet more needs. This, together with the wonderful support of the community, makes all things possible! Thank you.

May I take this opportunity to wish all the individuals we support, their families, our staff, volunteers and invaluable donors and friends all the best for a happy and healthy 5776.