Over the weekend, Oliver joined Chief Rabbi Mirvis and community leaders to open the United Synagogues Chesed Hub.

The purpose-built warehouse located in Bushey aims to support over 150 households each week, providing food and ready-cooked meals.  

Other initiatives include distributing pencil cases to children returning to school, and partnering with other local charities to reach families in need.

In November, they will begin their initiative ‘Toy Drive’, to collect and distribute gifts for the festive season, again working with partners to distribute these to Jewish and non-Jewish families in need. 

Mr Dowden said: ‘It was a privilege to join Chief Rabbi Mirvis and community leaders in Bushey this weekend to open the United Synagogue’s Chesed Hub. 

A great initiative supporting over 150 households each week and providing help to those in times of need.’

Mr Dowden added: ‘Thank you to all the volunteers for their brilliant work and dedication to the community.’

As well as distribution, the Chesed team supports all the United Synagogue communities to provide care, befriending and bereavement support to members, and delivers Jewish Visiting services through both Hospital and Prison Chaplaincy.  

To find out more about the work of the Chesed Team, visit: https://theus.org.uk/what-we-do/chesed/