A young Cricklewood woman has won an award for her volunteer work giving digital support to people with mental health needs.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Isla Horesh with Susan HoreshIsla Horesh with Susan Horesh (Image: Yakir Zur - YZ Photography)

Isla Horesh, who lives off The Vale, has been awarded by Jewish Care for her work at the charity’s Jack Gardiner House in Golders Green.

The 23-year-old was recognised for her innovation and creativity at Jewish Care’s Betty and Aubrey Lynes annual celebration of volunteering at the Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet.

Ms Horesh, who works for a medical company, has volunteered at the centre for 18 months, teaching IT skills on laptops and ipads to young residents.

She said she was inspired by both parents, also Jewish Care volunteers.

She added: “I enjoy volunteering and befriending at the home as it’s a great way to give something back. It’s been good to get to know the residents and support them to use iPads to download apps relating to their interests as well as enrich their everyday lives by connecting on Facetime with family and friends across the world.”

Ivor Baddiel, comedian and writer who compered the evening presenting awards, said: “It’s been said a million times, but I’m going to say it again, the work you do is so vital and brilliant and Jewish Care really couldn’t manage without you, so thank you so much. In an increasingly uncertain world, what you do shows that all we really need is a bit of kindness, compassion and of course, caring.”

Simon Morris, chief executive of Jewish Care, said, “These awards have shown us all a snapshot of the breadth of the work you and the rest of our volunteers undertake and its impact across the organisation. We could not provide the services we do without you.”