Jewish Care awards ceremony celebrates inspiring young leaders

Jewish Care, a health and social care organisation, celebrated the winners of its MIKE youth leadership programme awards this week.

The MIKE programme, which stands for motivation, inspiration, knowledge and education, aims to empower young people to become leaders through online training.

Among the winners was Rebecca Lloyd who received the Saul Keene Award for excellence in youth leadership.

Saul was a dedicated leader within the Jewish Redbridge community who died at the age of 41 in 2008.

Rebecca's award was presented to her by Saul's brother Danny and their mother Nettie, who has been volunteering at Jewish Care's Redbridge Jewish Community Centre for 50 years.

Danny and Nettie Keene with Rebecca and Jewish Care vice chairman Gayle Klein. Credit: Yakir Zur

Rebecca's family also have a close connection with the centre with her grandmother Rota volunteering there for 15 years.

After receiving her award, Rebecca said: "I feel very lucky to receive The Saul Keene Award of Excellence and I want to thank Nettie and Danny, my family and everyone who is part of the MIKE youth leadership programme.

"I’m grateful for every opportunity I have and I look forward to being part of this community every day. My confidence has grown so much over the years since I started my leadership journey. I was so introverted when I started the programme and now I’ve won this award."

Participants celebrate graduation at Jewish Care's MIKE youth leadership awards. Credit: Yakir Zur

Gayle Klein, vice chairman of Jewish Care, added: "Rebecca has been a passionate and dedicated leader for several years. Even during a difficult year, she has shown up with a big smile on her face and brought as much happiness and laughter to the sessions as possible.

"Rebecca joined the MIKE programme in year 9 and has always been keen to help wherever possible and have a positive impact on as many people as she can.

"She overcomes challenges triumphantly and uses the skills she has developed at MIKE to be an excellent leader and magnificent person."

Meanwhile, Abi Saltman and Adoni Margoris were among the recipients of the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards held at Woodford Forest United Synagogue.

Winners of Jack Petchey Achievement Awards with Jessica Villiers from the foundation and Jamie Stone who is MIKE youth leadership co-ordinator. Credit: Yakir Zur