Sandy Weinbaum, 75, grew up in Ilford, Essex. A primary school teacher by profession, she is the founder and now honorary director of the Jewish Family Centre in north-west London (“The title sounds posh, but honorary just means you don’t get paid for it!”) – the only Jewish contact centre in the UK that’s accredited by the NACCC.
Why did you start the centre and how did it come about?
The centre began in its earliest form around the turn of the millennium. In 1999, with Christmas and Chanukah falling at exactly the same time, I remember feeling like there was literally nothing for Jewish kids to do over the new year period – everything was Christmas-focused!
It was suggested that we rent a shopfront somewhere in Golders Green to do our own “Chanukah Wonderland” for those children.
We drove up and down the road, finding empty stores and calling up the owners, but no one was interested in letting for such a short duration.
Eventually, we found a place and transformed it into a “Chanukah Wonderland”, full of wholesome creative activities in line with what the local community wanted to see. Everybody who came said it was amazing and “just what the community needs”.
What motivates you to do what you do?
I have no formal training in family support work at all, but I am led by a deep love of children. I have a very large family. I have… Are you sitting down?... 14 children of my own! I began volunteering 50 years ago, with my husband and I running child-focused educational programmes for the Lubavitch Foundation. My inspiration has and will always be the Rebbe.
But it’s not just me; nobody can do anything in a vacuum. My husband, the team, social workers, therapists and everyone who has supported us over the years – they’ve all been amazing, and it’s because of them that the centre has become a very happening place. It’s been an amazing journey.
Why is it important to have dedicated spaces for Jewish families?
I think it’s important that the community has somewhere to go that considers Jewish sensitivities, where they can be sure everything is appropriate and all food is kosher. Especially with rising antisemitism, more people are looking for a safe place to take their kids to, and the centre provides that. It’s particularly nice for families in the winter, as anywhere indoors [for families] is expensive and we keep our costs reasonable. It’s also a good, wholesome place for parents to meet each other and make friendships, and for kids to meet kids.
What difficulties are families facing today?
For parents, the cost-of-living crisis can put great strain on families and on marriages, and it can make it hard for parents to always meet the needs of their children. For young people, there is so much pressure from social media, bullying and anxiety that perhaps didn’t exist in previous generations, which schools don’t always deal with.
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
The best thing is the transformation we see in some people. When some people first come in here, they’re absolutely broken, at their wits’ end, and you watch them rebuild themselves and their lives. Eventually, they say: “I’ll phone you in the new year”, and they really don’t need you any more. That’s the best – watching Jewish life flourish and carry on.
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