The Mayor of Barnet tried volleyball and gave young people a ride in his limo when he visited a special needs charity.

Councillor Melvin Cohen toured facilities for adults and children in Golders Green and Hendon belonging to Kisharon last week.

The organisation, which is one of the mayor’s charities and will benefit from the proceeds of fundraising events during his time in office, works with Jewish adults and children with learning disabilities.

Accompanied by Kisharon's chief executive Dr Beverley Jacobson and former Barnet Mayoress Lynda Schama, Cllr Cohen visited the charity’s head office in Parson Street where its support services are based.

He then met children at the charity’s nursery Tuffkid in Western Avenue to find out how mainstream children learn alongside those with special needs, before heading to Kisharon Day School in Finchley Road. 

Children with moderate to severe learning disabilities challenged the mayor to a game of volleyball at the only Jewish special needs school in north-west London.

The charity also offers supported living accommodation for adults in Golders Green, where adults with profound difficulties are encouraged by carers to live as independently as they can.

The mayor visited two of these houses, chatting to resident and giving one of them, Eli Cohen, a ride in his official limousine.

The tour on Friday finished with a visit to the charity’s Bus Stop Bikes and Kisharon Print Shop in Hendon, which offer job opportunities for school leavers and adults with learning difficulties.

The Mayor of Barnet said his day had been “a real eye opener”.

He added: “To see first-hand the wonderful work that Kisharon does has given me a better understanding of the many challenges that people with learning difficulties face throughout their lives.

“I am very pleased to support this inspirational charity, which does so much good in the Borough of Barnet.”

Kisharon chief executive Dr Beverley Jacobson added: “We really appreciate the time that the Mayor has spent with us today and we are delighted that Kisharon is his chosen charity.

“We need to raise at least £1.5m of annual voluntary income in order to run existing services.

“When we push the boundaries, there is so much that can be achieved, it is amazing.”