London: Catholic & Jewish charities build wall of flowers together

Preparation work - Photo John Rifkin

Christmas is traditionally a time for friendship – both old and new – and St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, in Hendon, north London, has been reaching out to those around them and joining forces in enterprise and developing friendships. The centre for people with learning disabilities teamed up with the Jewish charity Kisharon, who also work with people with learning disabilities, for some indoor gardening this week. Service users from both organisations created a 'Living Wall' of plants and flowers in the atrium of Kisharon’s Adult Day Centre in Parson Street, Hendon.

The preparation proved enjoyable as the men drilled holes to fix holders onto the wall before arranging the plants and flowers. Both charities were grateful to Finchley Nurseries, which donated some of the plants. This was the second time the charities had joined forces – the previous week they used plants to create a “Star of David” on the roof garden of St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in St Joseph’s Grove, Hendon. The roof garden is the work of St Joseph’s students who are involved in their Garden Enterprise scheme, working towards supported employment.

“We had the idea for an interfaith project because of Mitzvah Day,” explained Kisharon’s volunteer coordinator, Lara Domjam. The session was led by Mrs. Domjan together with Kennett Westmacott, Activities Centre’s Manager at St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre.

The day was a chance for Kisharon Chief Executive Dr Beverley Jacobson to meet John Coleby, Director of St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, who popped into Kisharon Day Centre to view the living wall. Dr Jacobson said: “The collaboration between our organisations is really exciting and our service users have enjoyed the experience of working together.”

Mr Coleby added: “It has been wonderful to get together with another local organisation that supports people with learning disabilities and to share ideas. This is a project that has really grown. We have enjoyed working as a team, and look forward to forging our future links”

For information on Kisharon see: www.kisharon.org.uk
For information on St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre see www.stjoseph.org.uk