A Jewish charity hosted the launch of a new initiative designed to get disabled people involved in volunteering.

Paralympian Boaz Kramer and the Mayor of Barnet Melvin Cohen attended a breakfast reception at Langdon in Edgware to introduce Mitzvah Day Together.

Every year in November, Jews across the world take part in Mitzvah Day, the community’s annual festival of social action, in which people give their time to good causes.

The new initiative is designed to enable people with any type of disability involve themselves in the volunteering day.

Speaking at the launch at the charity in High Street, the Paralympic silver medallist spoke about the barriers facing disabled people and how they can be overcome.

Mr Kramer added: “Being disabled means you encounter many barriers in your life - social, academic and financial barriers. 

“However, participation in activities, be they sport or volunteering, allows you to be successful.”

Addressing the 60 people who attended the launch, Mitzvah Day Chair and Founder Laura Marks praised Mr Kramer for his example, adding that he showed how inclusion allowed disabled people to reach their full potential.

She added: “Mitzvah Day Together is about playing our part in practical, hands-on ways to support, embrace and encourage inclusivity in the Jewish community and beyond.

“It is about looking beyond differences and embracing strengths, skills and experiences everyone has.”

Langdon is one of eight Jewish disability charities which have already pledged to support service users who wish to take part in Mitzvah Day Together.

Norwood, JAMI, Jewish Care, Jewish Blind and Disabled, Kisharon and the Judith Trust have also signed up.

Its chief executive Alison Rosen said: “We’re proud to be among the 25,000 people who take part in Mitzvah Day. The message of ‘tikun olam’, healing the world, is a powerful one and we love playing our part.”

Cllr Cohen concluded the event on Wednesday morning by citing the incoming Chief Rabbi’s words at Mitzvah Day’s 2013 formal launch last week.

He said: “There is an apparent contradiction in the definition of the word mitzvah being a divine commandment, yet also meaning doing something to help others. There is no contradiction.

"The divine commandment is to do good for others.”