With their workplaces out of bounds and outside leisure activities curtailed, people supported by Kisharon are kept cheerful by an army of volunteers.

Given the need to tailor activities to meet social distancing guidelines, creativity is the key.

Those who met Kisharon people face to face are calling them instead for a chat, or having face-to-face contact using Skype, Facetime or Zoom. Volunteers are delivering craft sets to those who are non-verbal to help while away the time.

Volunteers have been pitching in to help each other. Volunteer Deborah Binstock needed help to set up systems to run her usual literacy sessions with Yaakov. Volunteer Mickey Dekel stepped in to lend a hand.

And when one volunteer went into isolation and needed shopping, Eli Cohen, 14 came to the rescue.

The Pardes House Grammar School pupil said: “I went to Tapuach, the Hendon grocery store, and bought milk, fruit, vegetables, tea, biscuits, cheese, bread and a few other things. I only recently started shopping for people in Kisharon, but I can go for anyone who needs it. I can also call up lonely people who might want someone to talk to.”

Volunteer Coordinator Francine Haagman said: “We asked existing volunteers who could help us at this time and around 40 replied. They are wonderful and inspiring, and going over and above to help everyone out. But there’s plenty still to do, so if you’d like to help, please get in touch.”

Contact Francine at volunteer@kisharon.org.uk

Photo: Eli, one of Kisharon’s youngest volunteers, came to the rescue