Selfless volunteers were commended for their hard work with Jewish Care at an awards ceremony.

Comedian and writer Ivor Baddiel presented the awards at the charity’s Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus in Golders Green.

He thanked volunteers at the Leonard Sainer Day Centre, in Rectory Lane, Edgware, for supporting his father.

Mr Baddiel said: “I know first-hand the work you do, and the commitment, dedication, thought and of course care that goes into it. He’s just one of the many, many, people that you care for and who benefit so greatly from what you do”.

Two teams from Jewish Care’s Edgware and Harrow day centre were joint winners of the award for promoting meaningful lives – the chair-based exercise class and the discussion group leaders.

Centre manager Jacey Harris said: “Not a day goes by without one of the team arriving to run a well-prepared, thoughtful session. Whether it is a quiz, reminiscence or daily news the group keeps people thinking and allows them to voice their opinions.

“Both groups are worth their weight in gold and much loved by centre members.”

Natasha Jacobs, from Edgware, was recognised for her contribution at Jewish Care’s community shop Print Box, along with other volunteers Chasiya Freilich, Matthew Kayne, Rochelle Obermeister and Yossi Obermeister.

They were commended for their positivity, humour and commitment.

Printbox manager Joel Elias said: “This is an amazing group of individuals who despite their own personal challenges are committed to their roles, coming in with a smile on their faces and a sense of positivity. I am delighted their efforts have been recognised through this award.”

A special mention in the young volunteer category went to 15-year-old Jamie Cooper, who volunteers at the centre during his holidays.

Jacey Harris said: “His commitment and capability go far beyond his 15 years – taking on issues of health and safety, assisting on the buses, chatting to members, more recently helping in the kitchen and entertaining with his impressions. We hope he’ll volunteer for Jewish Care for a long time to come.”

Marcia Singer received a special mention in the unsung hero awards for her commitment over 14 years coming into the centre to serve hot drinks and food to members and volunteers in the morning.

Speaking at the awards on July 8, chief executive of Jewish Care Simon Morris said: “Tonight’s volunteer awards shows the breadth of the work of Jewish Care and how we could not provide what we do without you, our volunteers. They also continue to show how volunteering is evolving and touching every part of the business.

“Without you and others like you, so many in our community would not be able to stay connected to their communities, or make friendships or connections that bring meaning to their lives”.