About us

NORWOOD IS THE OLDEST JEWISH CHARITY IN THE UK

Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK, and has been privileged to receive Royal Patronage since 1815. We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

Norwood works with local authorities, to deliver wide-ranging services including residential and supported living accommodation and short-breaks facilities, as well as a range of support groups aimed at the whole family, not just the individual.

Our History

A HISTORY OF NORWOOD

Since our relatively modest beginnings in Mile End in 1795, we have helped many thousands of people. The ways we work have changed over the centuries but our motivation remains the same: to do what we can to help people live their best lives.

Your Family Connection With Us

With such a long history of supporting so many people, it’s no surprise that Norwood has accumulated thousands of documents and records. Among these, you may be able to discover:

• information about your family origins and your family background
• information for adopted people about their origins and the circumstances of their adoption
• records relating to Norwood’s orphanage from as far back as 1821
• historical records of Norwood’s many services

To find out more about our archives, please call Norwood on 020 8809 8809

Norwood Old Scholars Association

For people who grew up in Norwood’s care, the Norwood Old Scholars Association (NOSA) provides opportunities to get together and keep in touch with each other. It also offers support to people in need. If you would like more information, please contact Jack Matthews at jackmatthews99@gmail.com or on 07971 748372.

Historical Enquiries

 Please visit our Historical Enquiries page explaining the process for accessing archived material, adoption-related information, and social work records, including relevant legal and data-protection requirements.