OTHER SERVICES
ADVICE, ASSISTANCE, ADVOCACY SERVICES
This forms a large proportion of our community work and social support, as most of the Care Team’s enquiries initially start this way. We offer signposting, welfare benefits assistance, housing information, cultural support, a listening ear and friendly positive advice on a range of services.
A representative from the Citizens Advice Bureau also has a surgery every Tuesday morning at Shifrin House. Just ring to make an appointment.
VISUAL SUPPORT GROUP
This group was formerly called ‘Merseyside Jewish Blind Society’ (JBS) and meets on the first Wednesday of every month. It is a social and support group where people with visual impairments can get together informally and enjoy an entertaining afternoon
Transport is organised and afternoon tea is served.
We positively encourage anyone with a visual impairment to join us.
Carers and family are welcome too.
GESHER
Gesher is a social group designed for adults in the community with social difficulties, mental health challenges or learning disabilities. Gesher literally means “bridge”. The aim is to provide the group with a social outlet and activity within a friendly Jewish environment. The facilitators offer ongoing support and life skills advice.
A traditional bagel lunch is provided to start the session, which is held on a Thursday afternoon. This is followed by an activity or outing.
SUPPORTED LIVING
MJCC is operating the first Jewish supported Living service for adults with disabilities in Liverpool. This has been a positive new experience and the Scheme is proving to be successful in that our tenants are able to live independently and make their own lifestyle choices.
RICE LANE CEMETERY
Merseyside Jewish Community Care provided administrative assistance and practical support to the Friends of Rice Lane (701573) until the Charity wound up, 31 December 2006. Merseyside Jewish Community Care has continued maintenance at the grounds with the Friends of Rice Lane Fundraising Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr Arnold Lewis.
We aim to keep the cemetery in an accessible and tidy state and to maintain the security. The Health and Safety review of the state of gravestones and a section by section clearance of blocked pathways between the rows of graves to make access easier and safer has continued.
The annual inspection of the boundary wall has highlighted some areas of concern and an affordable maintenance programme has been established.