Jewish Action for Mental Health awarded £84,000 after Heaton Park terror attack
Funding will enable free counselling for Manchester Jewish community affected by the Yom Kippur terror assault on 2 October 2025
Jewish Action for Mental Health (JAMH) has been awarded £84,000 to provide vital mental health support such as counselling, therapy and group work for people in the Manchester Jewish community affected by the Yom Kippur Heaton Park shul attack last year.
The funding, provided by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, will enable JAMH to deliver specialist, culturally appropriate clinical support to individuals and families experiencing trauma, anxiety and ongoing psychological distress following the attack.
Project manager Kate Lurie said: “Recent events in Manchester and around the world have left many people feeling traumatised, anxious and increasingly isolated. This funding will enable us to help members of our community feel safe and supported during an incredibly difficult time.”
The funding will also support work undertaken by JAMH immediately after the attack, when the organisation activated its Mass Trauma Protocol.
In the first three days, more than 100 people were supported through online trauma workshops, a drop-in hub at Shrubberies Synagogue, home visits to those directly affected, and the production of a Parents’ Guidance Booklet to help families support children experiencing fear and anxiety.
Over the following week, JAMH conducted a further 30 home visits, delivered a parents’ resilience workshop, and rapidly expanded counselling provision in response to a surge in demand.
JAMH also provided specialist trauma training for more than 20 therapists, delivered emotional wellbeing training to 52 school staff, and ran targeted anxiety-support sessions for vulnerable groups, including adults with special needs and young mothers.
Other group work available includes horticultural therapy, art sessions, exercise and peer support workshops.
Lurie said: “Through this grant, we are providing free, confidential counselling and therapy for anyone affected by antisemitism or the situation in Israel. We can support anyone with a connection to Manchester — whether they live, work, study or worship here — ensuring they have access to culturally appropriate care when they need it most.”
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