Empowering Special Children
One Shabbos At A Time
Who We Are
My Shabbos Family is a non-profit organization that was established in 2021 with the aim of providing respite to families with individuals who have disabilities or special needs. Initially formed as a small group of volunteers in Stamford Hill, UK, we have since expanded to cover Manchester and Gateshead, providing our services across these regions.
Our organization provides trained and vetted volunteers who, on Shabbos afternoons, take children with special needs to one of our fully equipped Hubs located in London, Manchester, and Gateshead. Our highly talented and entertaining Program Heads lead the children through a fun-filled itinerary, giving them opportunities to build their sensory skills in our fully equipped sensory rooms and play games tailored to their specific needs.
Our services not only provide parents and families with a much-needed break, but also offer the children fantastic opportunities to develop their skills and abilities.
We also provide a “meal matching service,” whereby individuals with disabilities are hosted by vetted families in the community for a Shabbos meal on a weekly basis.
Our ultimate goal is to provide families with the peace of mind that their children with disabilities will be well-cared for during Shabbos or weekend events, wherever they may be in the UK.
Our program’s continuity depends on donations from our generous supporters.
Please consider helping us continue our mission to assist those who may need extra support while providing their families with a rejuvenating break.
Our program’s continuity depends on donations from our generous supporters.
Please consider helping us continue our mission to assist those who may need extra support while providing their families with a rejuvenating break.
What We Do
On Shabbos afternoons, we offer a comprehensive range of enjoyable and educational activities to benefit children with special needs at each of our fully equipped Hubs located throughout the United Kingdom. These programs are overseen by our experienced Team Leaders and staffed by our fully trained and vetted volunteers, ensuring the highest quality of service for our participants.
We are proud to offer children with special needs the opportunity to participate in Shabbos Davening, providing them with a sense of belonging and a feeling of great fulfilment. This service is a vital component of our commitment to ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to fully engage in religious and cultural practices.
My Shabbos Family is dedicated to providing children with special needs and their families with much-needed respite by offering opportunities to join local, vetted families for Shabbos meals. This initiative not only allows the children to integrate into their communities but also creates connections between the hosts and the special needs population within their society.
Testimonials.
When travelling to Gateshead as a family for yom tov, we always know that My Shabbos Family are there for us, ready to help us with our son whenever we need. Often the boys are willing and happy to do more hours than we need, they go above and beyond to look after our son. They care for him and give him tremendous love, warmth and care, allowing us to really enjoy our time in Gateshead. We are tremendously grateful for all their wonderful support.
Being a Shabbos family host has completely transformed our Shabbos table
We would like to thank the My Shabbos Family / bein hazmanim program, we are an English family who live in Israel with an autistic son. We came to Manchester for a simcha / Pesach and we were very apprehensive how we could manage without the support we’d been receiving in Israel, My Shabbos Family organisation was a “life saver” giving us time to breathe and a chance to enjoy being with family we will always be indebted to you
A heartfelt thank you
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