Youngsters at a borough Jewish social care charity have delivered a presentation about the value of their study course.

Students of The Fed’s Bar-Batmitzvah Programme, who are aged 12 and 13, have spoken about their course at Healthlands Village in Prestwich.

The centrepiece was a talkshow style production when participants interviewed each other about their experience of the course, and how they had grown through being involved.

Run jointly by Natasha Harries, who is a volunteer coordinator and event organiser at The Fed, and Tammy Friedlander, its NextGen coordinator, the year-long programme is designed to "awaken a desire in young people to become involved in their community and acts of chesed (kindness)".

The monthly sessions took the youngsters through a range of activities designed to be fun but thought-provoking, among which they met frontline workers from the charity’s community advice and support team and heard about the kind of issues people face.

The sessions also heard how The Fed is able to help them and they took part in an immersive session on dementia and living with physical disabilities.

They also participated in a sponsored sports challenge and volunteered their time wrapping Chanukah presents and made cards for children with special needs who use The Fed’s children’s centre.

A key part of their learning was keeping a journal after each session where they could reflect on what they had learnt and how this had changed their perspective.

A video montage of their journey with The Fed was put to music and also shown at the event.

Guests were welcomed by Dalia Kaufman, who heads up The Fed’s volunteer services department, and a key address was given by chairman of The Fed, Bernie Yaffe, who focused on the importance of this programme in relation to the future of The Fed.

Each participant was presented with a trophy and graduation certificate by fundraising manager Rochelle Broman after which they joined their families and Fed representatives for a celebratory buffet brunch.

If you, your child or grandchild would be interested in signing up for the 2024-25 programme please get in touch with Natasha on 0161 772 4800 or email natasha.harries@thefed.org.uk.

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Meanwhile, on June 5, 160 volunteers of The Fed and guests attended a summer fete at Healthlands Village to celebrate the 40th anniversary of National Volunteers Week

The event was primarily an opportunity to acknowledge and demonstrate The Fed’s gratitude for the "outstanding contribution made by its volunteers to enhancing the lives of people living in the Greater Manchester Jewish community, and the immense positive impact made nationwide by people who volunteer".

The evening began with warm and welcoming speeches by volunteer services manager, Dalia Kaufman, and CEO, Mark Cunningham, who also took the opportunity to highlight the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Ms Friedlander, explained her role in running "Alpha Feds" - a programme which introduces for students in Years 9 and 10 to the work of The Fed and volunteering opportunities.

On the night, a group of "Alpha Fedders" staffed mini market stalls and hosted a lively "beat-the-goalie" football competition, raising over £250.

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Volunteers were recognised on the nightVolunteers were recognised on the night (Image: The Fed)

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As the wine flowed, volunteers of all ages mingled and danced to timeless favourites, the musical entertainment very kindly provided by a talented trio of friends – Ben Sallon, Jean-Phillipe Glaskie and Chazan Michael Isdale.

Guests captured special moments together in an "Alpha Feds" selfie frame, and with a nod to Yom Yerushalayim, enjoyed a delicious Israeli-style light supper.

Alex Chaytow donated beautiful balloon displays to enhance the festivities.