Inclusion
Mill Hill
Chill Out Zone
Target audience: Parents and children
Description: We provided a quiet room with water, fidget toys, books, chairs so that people who might be experiencing a sensory overload could still be within the shul, still have a positive experience and still feel welcome within our community.
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Aim: We wanted to give people a space to relax and regain composure if the noise and number of people became too much. Especially for families who have children with extra needs.
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Why was it a success? It was used by a small number of parents but I think mostly people felt pleased it was there!
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Advice for communities looking to replicate: It's very easy and well worth doing! The community responded so positively to it when we emailed out and posted on Fb about it.
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Kellie Leigh, Vice Chair
Edgware
Event with Jewish Women's Aid
Target audience: Everyone
Description: This was a Zoom event, as at the time we were limiting in-person events. The volunteer from JWA spoke for around 40 minutes about different issues surrounding domestic abuse and then opened up for questions.
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Aim: To educate and inform the community about issues of domestic violence in the Jewish community, how we can spot this and what to do in different situations.
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Why was it a success? It was a success because it is a vitally important subject and it is important that we ensure everyone is educated about this. The leader giving the address was really good, spoke very clearly, concisely and with great sympathy which is vital for such a delicate subject.
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Advice for communities looking to replicate: It would be better in person, and also think communities need to work hard to ensure people are aware this is not just an event for woman but for everyone.
Avi Son, Community Development Manager
Mill Hill
Inclusivity Shabbat
Target audience: Everyone
Description: Organised in conjunction with Gesher School and with contributions from other local schools, as well as Norwood, JWeb and PJ Library. There were talks, Q&A's and a special sermon. An educational leaflet was produced by Mill Hill, entitled '18 Ways to be Inclusive in Shul'.
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Aim: To raise awareness of SEN and encourage inclusive engagement across the community
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Why was it a success? Reinforces the message that everyone is welcome in our shuls. This event was endorsed by Chief Rabbi Mirvis. To watch his video of support, please go to https://youtu.be/HzcI0M0KU7w
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Advice for communities looking to replicate: Please be in touch with mmarson@theus.org.uk
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Miriam Marson, Community Engagement Manager, US Jewish Living