Camp Simcha is an independent UK charity, which is part of a global network that also has bases in the USA and Israel, assisting some 3,000 children worldwide. After Camp Simcha’s launch in America in 1987, Meir and Rachely Plancey opened the British branch of Camp Simcha in London in 1995.

Meir and Rachely voluntarily built up a secure and reliable support network for UK based families, providing them with ongoing encouragement and assistance. In 2005, they employed the first paid director, Neville Goldschneider in order to reach out and help many more children. From the 13 children at that time, Camp Simcha now reaches over 350 children from around 100 families. In 2007, Camp Simcha began helping families in Manchester, Gateshead and Glasgow.

In June 2009, the base of the charity moved from offices in Temple Fortune to a magical and vibrant new centre, “The House”, in Queens Road, Hendon, through the generosity of the Orenstein family. This centre provides a sanctuary where children and families are afforded the opportunity to attend events and parties and find a place of respite in times of need. Camp Simcha has come a very long way in ensuring that no child where ever they are in the UK has to suffer a life threatening condition without our support.