Elaine Grazin was one of the founder members of Jewish Women’s Aid in Leeds in the 1980s, and has been a committed volunteer since then, supporting the Helpline, as well as raising awareness and holding roles as a trustee, sub-committee member, advisor and Honorary Vice President of Jewish Women’s Aid. Over the years, she has spoken about JWA at communal events including Limmud, at synagogues, panel events and at Women’s Aid national conference.

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year: Ruth Green, UJIA

Ruth has served UJIA with the highest distinction as a Trustee. Ruth puts enormous amounts of time, as well as seemingly-limitless energy, into UJIA. Ruth’s formal role has been as Trustee for the UK Programme but she has been so much more than that – a constant source of advice, pushing us to innovate, supporting our professional staff, going way “above and beyond” to make time for whatever challenges we have faced

Chevra Kadisha, which literally means holy or sacred society, is a group of people that carry out the most holy work by preparing a deceased person for burial. This is seen as one of the most important Mizvot (good deeds) as the deceased person cannot thank you nor can they repay you for the help you gave. 2020 was one of our busiest years. All the volunteers receive training. They come to the cemetery as a team of four, either during the day or at night, depending on requirements. We never know from each day when these volunteers will be called.

Bushey Covid Coordinators, Bushey United 

Bushey United Synagogue asked people to step forward as volunteers to assist members requesting help with shopping, picking up prescriptions etc. They had responses from over 60 people who were all set up on an ‘Errands Request’ WhatsApp group to help members with their needs.

Virtual connecting during the pandemic, Jewish Blind and Disabled 

Within a few weeks of the first lockdown, thanks to the power of social media and word of mouth, JBD had recruited over 60 new volunteers, people of all ages, to befriend and support their tenants who were scared of the Covid 19 pandemic. A huge number of these volunteers 10, months later have continued to make calls and run Zoom activities supporting their tenants throughout the pandemic.

JLGB Virtual, JLGB

Virtual was their response to ensuring that children and young people can continue to have fun, learn new skills, make a difference and complete their volunteering awards during lockdown. Teenagers hosting the shows, interviewing influential leaders and celebrities and making the show run behind the scenes. They also often challenge their viewers to take part in acts of kindness such as upcycling plastics, learning sign language and first aid, doing good deeds for others such as create art, cook meals, share their favourite books and songs etc.

Remote Respite and Support Services, Kef Kids

The KEF Centre’s doors may have been physically closed due to COVID-19 but the organisation continued to provide vital support and specialist services remotely. Some of the key remote innovative services done by volunteers included creating and delivering support packages, Zoom group sessions and celebrating milestones.