Our caring, compassionate and discreet staff team have access to support 24/7
MENDEL JAFFE
Director
Mendel has been working in mental health for over ten years now – running programs in Israel, Canada, Australia, the USA and now back in his hometown of Manchester.
Most recently, he ran Aliya Youth for three years in Australia and has now launched this service for the youth of our diverse Jewish community in Greater Manchester.
T: 0161 501 6770 #1
SHEINA JAFFE
Director
Occupational Therapist, Sheina has witnessed first-hand the many challenges facing the Jewish community’s youth sector.
Together with Mendel, Sheina spent three years co-directing and building Aliya's sister branch in her home-town of Melbourne, Australia, before bringing the charity over here.
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T: 0161 501 6770 #1
FRANCESCA DONN
Administrator
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Francesca has always been active in the charity sector. She began her work with Chabad Lubavitch over four years ago, working for Chabad Community Care, and is now supporting Aliyah Youth as well.
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“Making people happy is what brings a smile to my face.” Always putting others first is how Fran lives her life, and she loves to help bring out the best in people.
T: 0161 501 6770 #3
E: admin@aliyayouth.org.uk
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SHELLEY BLACKSTON
Fundraising Lead
Shelley has been successfully fundraising and organising events for the charity sector within the community for over 40 years.
She has raised money for causes such as: Leukemia, The Nicky Alliance Day Centre, Chai Cancer Care, North West Ladies Jewish Drama Group and the Jewish Theatre Company, of which she is an active board member.
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She has achieved recognition for her dedication, being invited to Buckingham Palace, and has had the privilege of meeting many high-profile public figures through her work.
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Wit her extensive contacts and a highly personable character, Shelley plans to make a real difference working for Aliya Youth - her motto is “Anything is possible”.
MINA JAFFE
Girls' Program Co-ordinator
T: 07530 245904
E: mina@aliyayouth.org.uk
After nine years of travelling, living and working around the globe, Mina has gained invaluable knowledge and appreciation for a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
Having worked in early childhood care as well as running a Hebrew day school for primary children, Mina is organised, outgoing and loves to be busy and get things done.
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Mina’s patient and caring nature makes her the ideal person to lead our Girls’ Program. Running twice-weekly events, giving girls opportunities to be creative and socialise in a non-judgemental environment, Mina’s involvement in Aliya is of great benefit to the girls. She offers support and guidance to those seeking it, and recognises when additional professional support may be needed.
ESTHER DURBER
P: 07882146240
E: Esther@aliyayouth.org.uk
Esther voluntarily gives her time to run the Girls’ Recovery Program. With vast experience in this field and strong networking skills, Esther works tirelessly to access mentoring, coaching and guidance for the young women who need it most.
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Esther’s passion and genuine care for the girls’ wellbeing have made a huge impact on those needing this support within the community. Thanks to this program, they now have the tools to overcome life’s challenges in a healthy, productive and safe way.
Girls' Recovery Program Volunteer
Trustees & Advisors
RAYMOND DONN
Chairman & Trustee
Raymond ran one of Manchester’s leading law firms for thirty years, and he has kindly come out of retirement to chair our charity.
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With vast experience in people-management, the Law, and his flair for diplomacy and leadership, Raymond is a natural fit as our Chairman. His calm, down to earth approach together with his passionate vision for Aliya Youth have been the driving force for the charity since its inception.
CASSIE HORWICH
Trustee
Jewish Community Research Lead for Young people’s mental health charity, 42nd Street, Cassie has the experience and insight to determine exactly what support and education is needed at every level.
As a qualified counsellor, Cassie has the ability to provide advice and support to all areas of the organisation.
MICHAEL SHARP
Safeguarding and Compliance Officer
& Trustee
Through his career in Engineering Consultancy, Michael has considerable experience in project management and regulatory procedures.
His pragmatic approach and diligence benefit the charity beyond measure.
In his spare time, Michael is also involved in Holocaust education and remembrance.
ROCHEL JAFFE
Trustee
Shlucha and Co-Director of Chabad Lubavitch, Rochel has co-founded a number charities supporting children and young adults.
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Rochel has an open heart, an open home and is the proud mother of 13 children KNH. Her sensitivity, empathy and attention to detail are a huge asset to the Aliyah Youth team, especially when dealing with fragile situations.
DR TREVOR FRIEDMAN
Clinical Advisor and Consultant Lead
Dr Friedman qualified in Medicine in London before training in Psychiatry in Oxford and Nottingham. He was appointed as Consultant Psychiatrist for Leicestershire hospitals in 1990, where his remit included psychiatric emergencies and self-harm services.
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Dr Friedman’s key areas of interest are around the psychological aspects of physical disease, perinatal mental illness, neuropsychiatry, childhood sexual abuse and cancer.
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Former Chair of the Comprehensive Local Research Network and Deputy Lead for the Heart of England Mental Health Research Network, Dr Friedman generously gives his time and expertise to the charity.