Humans of The Fed

Growing up in apartheid South Africa, the young Keith Rosen knew little of England or of organised religion. Today, as The Fed's Religious Director, Reverend Rosen plays one of the most crucial roles in the pastoral care that the organisation carries out. How this transformation came about is as fascinating as any story we've told on the podcast, and one which will surprise even the many people who count Revered Rosen as a colleague and friend. Told in his warm, lilting Cape Town accent, Reverend Rosen takes us through his sports- and outdoor-mad upbringing under the shadow of Table Mountain, through the years of reintroduction to his Judaism and finally to an almost entirely spontaneous move to the UK. Meaningful and emotionally charged, this episode of Humans of The Fed shines a light on one of the individuals whose work - often behind-the-scenes - is so vital to The Fed's success.

This week we present one of the most moving podcasts we've recorded, and so poignant coming just after Yom HaShoah. Simon Hill HonFRPS was given his first camera at the age of four. In the intervening half century, his photography career has sent him around the world, allowed him to mingle with royalty, and become the president of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain. And yet were it not for a sequence of unexpected events he would possibly not have ever returned to the UK, reconnected with the society of which he had been a member for so long and risen to its highest position. He also would have almost certainly never have heard of The Fed. Simon's involvement with The Fed's My Voice Project opened his eyes to the experiences and testimonies of Holocaust survivors across the north of England, and the photographs he contributed to the 'Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors' exhibition at the Imperial War Museum brought him into contact with those cherished and honoured Survivors which the My Voice project serves. Part tech-heavy and part humanities-focused, Simon's conversation provides a window into the world of one of this country's most esteemed photographers, with a healthy dose of humour and self-deprecation along the way. It also offers a reminder, if it were ever needed, how honoured The Fed is to preserve the life stories of our Survivors, and how invaluable and timeless the work of the My Voice project is.

Today we've got a bit of a first... We have a volunteer, a fundraiser and a member of The Fed's Bar and Bat Mitzvah program all rolled into one, and just 12 years old! Ben Sarak is the son of Natasha, a member of The Fed's fundraising team, but far from talking about his mum's experiences, Ben has already got a wealth of Fed history all of his own. Throughout today's episode what was apparent was Ben's genuine admiration and love for this organisation, and if we can get that strength of feeling and sense of ownership into a 12 year old, we must be doing something right! Very entertaining and often moving, enjoy Humans' youngest guest so far as he shares memories of his grandpa, his first impressions of Heathlands Village, and why supporting The Fed is a passion so close to his heart, helping him raise thousands of pounds towards our essential services.

In 1975, a young man was invited to lead the services for the fledgling Heathlands Village shul. That young man, Chaim Rose - known to all at The Fed as Rabbi Rose - could never have imagined the chain of events that accepting this invitation would set off. In the nearly half a century since, the shul has grown in stature and function, often attracting more than 150 people for services on Shabbat and Yom Tov and becoming a warm, loving environment for anyone who crosses its threshold. But more than this, the shul and its members have become essential to the very fabric of The Fed. Whether visiting ill residents, ensuring no-one is left out at the most joyous times in the Jewish calendar, strengthening the intangiable atmosphere of yiddishkeit around the site, or ensuring that everyone receives a proper Jewish funeral, today the Heathlands shul is a beacon of faith and friendship. A place where everyone is welcome, where everyone is greeted with a smile, where everyone is made to feel part of a community, and where everyone is treated alike, the Heathlands shul community is today so much more than simply prayer services held at the Village. Part family history, part tribute to five decades of devotion, this episode of Humans will surprise everyone with it's warmth, it's emotion, and the generational links that have unfurled thanks to those who call the shul their home.

Dan Rosenberg is the founder and host of the hugely popular Sod’s Law Podcast, which at the time of its conclusion had delivered 150 episodes and over 1 million downloads. Quite some going! So whilst this might mean that this Humans of the Fed episode is a busman's holiday for him, we actually think our listeners - and I hope by extension the loyal followers of Sod’s Law - will find that by being a guest this time, they will learn more about Dan's life and what makes him, in our opinion, such an extraordinary human being. Join us as we discuss mental health, fertility, raising children, the importance of work-life balance, giving of your time to charity and so much more. We really enjoyed chatting to Dan and we know you will too.

The Fed relies on the dedication and tireless work of staff across a huge range of professions. From carers to caterers and maintenance to marketing, the full makeup of the organisation is the product of almost every conceivable skill and talent imaginable. But for some, those talents often go unnoticed and without fanfare, and Lucy Edwards is one of those. As The Fed's Trusts, Foundations, and Bids Fundraiser, Lucy's skill is sourcing new and ongoing sources of income to fund a multitude of the services we provide. Far from simply writing letters and asking for financial support, this complex, involved, and often long-term responsibility lies at the heart of everything The Fed does, as it carries with it a need to understand every aspect of The Fed's long-term strategy, service provision, and community development. If you're interested in the inner-workings of The Fed, or have wondered for some time about what and how fundraising involves, this episode is the one for you. As a bonus, it's also very, very funny.

The year 1950 saw the start of the Korean War, James Dean get his first acting break, and a few new, trendy houses in the UK be designed with indoor toilets. It was also the year in which a young Leslie Kay was first introduced to the 'Old Home' - the forerunner to our modern Heathlands Village. It was the start of lifelong relationship between Leslie and Heathlands Village - and today The Fed as well - which has covered more than eight decades, numerous senior positions of responsibility, and an infectious enthusiasm for caring, community, and continuity which exists to this day. From a round-the-world trip in the 1970s chasing the latest innovations in watch manufacturing, to fending off a chorus of dissenters - not once, but twice - in pursuit of the goal of industry-leading social care in Greater Manchester, Leslie is "the last one" of a generation who dedicated their lives to the flourishing and self-sufficient community we have today. It's a story as enjoyable to listen to as it is important to the history of our great organisation, and one which Humans of The Fed is thrilled to present and preserve.

We are indebted to the Steinberg family for agreeing to us publishing this week's podcast. What seems just a very short time ago, Humans co-host, Raphi Bloom, sat down with Lady Beryl Steinberg, The Fed's Honorary Patron, in her home, to record an episode of our podcast. Although brief, the conversation was full of her usual wit and sparkling charm, showcasing her love for The Fed and her passion to do whatever she could for others. In February 2022, just a few months later, we were heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend and supporter. This week's episode is a tribute to Lady Beryl, a testament to her devotion to our community, and a lasting record of our thanks for everything she, her late husband Lord Steinberg, and the entire Steinberg family have done for The Fed and Anglo-Jewry. Though united with the whole community in our shock and grief, Lady Beryl's untimely passing should not take away from the legacy of the outstanding service she gave to our community and the example she set which we can all aim to replicate. In her own words: "I'm not a leader, I'm a soldier." May her memory be for a blessing.

George Carlin famously said that it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for. Although Carlin was making a lighthearted comment on crime and punishment, his joke couldn't be more true for today's episode. Phil Costin is The Fed's Buildings Manager, responsible for the development of the site and it's maintenance. A much-loved and respected figure across the organisation, Phil exudes calmness and good cheer and can always be relied on for a smile and a friendly greeting. This cheerful exterior, however, masks a lifetime of tragedy and hardship that almost defies belief. Phil shares his extraordinary life story with Humans, revealing the mystery of his origins, the tragedy that rocked his family, illness and suffering that have shaped his adult life, and - perhaps most importantly - how he came through it all to be the positive and delightful colleague everyone at The Fed knows. Not content with carving out a successful career amid his many challenges, Phil's life has taken him into the world of professional rugby, to the slopes of Mount Everest, and to the very summit of the martial arts world, as a five-time kickboxing World Champion.

Bernie Yaffe qualified as an accountant in 1981 and became Chair of Trustees of The Fed in 2018. In between those two major events, Bernie found himself living in South Africa, carrying out secret work for the Jewish community in the Soviet Union, clocking up a significant career with one of the world's most famous brands, and cultivated a music collection that almost defies belief. As someone for whom success is "...making sure the organisation can deliver on its goals and targets and to plan for the future", Bernie speaks from the heart about the journey that took him from ordinary man to community insider, his pride at seeing The Fed ride out the most perilous waves of Covid-19, and how he envisages the future of the organisation - one he describes as "...less an old-age organisation, more an all-age organisation." With plenty of laughter and an intense focus on community development and sustainability, this is one episode of Humans of The Fed you don't want to miss!

Jude Moryoussef is a mother of 4 and someone who packs more into a week than most people do in a month! Changing career in mid life to become a personal trainer and now specializing in fitness for women who are either peri or post-menopausal, Jude is a hugely knowledgeable & passionate advocate for a better understanding of this condition amongst individuals, in the workplace and in society in general. She also finds time to be a magistrate and is part of the new Problem Solving Courts for Women initiative – a unique way of rehabilitating offenders – and is a charity trailblazer, founding the Big Birthday Appeal over 20 years ago. Amongst all this she even finds time to volunteer for The Fed. Brought up in a religious Jewish home with a Rabbi as a father, her faith underpins everything she does. Join us for this fascinating podcast as we discuss all this and more, including why it is so important to encourage our younger generations to get involved with charity and understand giving – both of their time and money – something, which in our “have it now” society is so crucial to develop.

Depression, suicide, dementia, isolation. Regular listeners of Humans will know by now that The Fed's tireless staff deal with these conditions, and more, on a regular basis. What you may not know is that they are supported in their work by an army of volunteers who provide a crucial second-line-of-defence, whether working in the offices assisting with administrative work, supporting older people in the community, or befriending those who need us most and providing them with a sense of belonging and security. Howard Sternberg is one of The Fed's volunteers. Resolute and determined, he tells us of his life and career, and how volunteering is 'the best thing he does.' Between the laughter and the jokes, Howard reveals a serious side that propels him to do whatever he can, all over the community, for families and individuals suffering with the terrible afflictions mentioned above, all under the banner of 'Fed volunteer'. The humility and unpretentious nature of Howard's character makes his story all the more inspiring - nothing is too much trouble, and everything is done with a smile. Often working in the background, but always making a difference in the foreground, this episode is dedicated to all our invaluable Volunteers. To become a Volunteer, email juliette.pearce@thefed.org.uk

As far as 'full circle' goes, Marie Madeley's career is a tale of returning to your roots. A Manchester girl, born and bred just a stone's throw from Heathlands Village, Marie found herself working in social care almost by accident, before landing a job at Heathlands Village in the 1990s. Leaving to pursue higher education, Marie's future took her from social care to the prison service and then on to domiciliary care - followed by a crucial and much-needed break to look after herself and take stock of her future. Never one to sit still, Marie was soon back on feet, returning to The Fed as the Village's Clinical Manager, a role she inhabits today making a difference to the lives of hundreds of people - residents and staff - who she warmly considers family.

This is a long episode, but such an important one. In the nearly 12 months that Humans of The Fed has aired, something we have struggled with is bringing you stories from Fed clients, in first-person, told from the point of view of clients themselves. This is because our work is so confidential - and in many cases so complex and upsetting - that talking about it in public is simply not an option. This is particularly restricting for us when you remember that more than 6,500 people across the Jewish community in Greater Manchester benefit from The Fed's support - that's a staggering 1-in-7 homes. That is why we are so grateful, and humbled, by Elayne Halpern's willingness to talk to us on the record about her experiences with The Fed. She talks us through the trauma, the tears, and the teamwork, and how reaching out to The Fed in her darkest moments have been a desperately needed lifeline.

On 22nd May 2017, the city of Manchester was rocked when a terrorist attack hit the Manchester Arena. One of the worst atrocities in British history, the response to this chilling tragedy saw the very best of humanity. On the 23rd May, the very next evening, thousands of people joined together in Albert Square for a vigil that stressed the importance of peace and tolerance. In the midst of that response was one man, an ordinary Mancunian with an extraordinary talent. Tony Walsh, now world-famous for his rendition that day of his stirring poem 'This Is The Place' - an homage to his home city of Manchester - was selected to represent the beating heart of this great city and its people. Visibly emotional yet holding the thousands before him in his hands, Tony told the crowd, in his inimitable style, to "...always remember, never forget - choose love, Manchester." A local lad who rose from poverty to leave his mark on the entire country, Tony's meteoric rise saw his talent and skill requested by The Fed, to help create a moving word poem that would tell the story of the organisation's 150 year history. The result of that partnership - 'Not Alone' - has been viewed by thousands of people across the world and is a moving tribute to burgeoning Jewish community that flourished in Greater Manchester. Recorded in August 2021, this episode is released to coincide with the fifth anniversary of that tragic day in Manchester's history, to celebrate Tony's immeasurable skill and passion that brought comfort and pride to so many, and to hear first-hand from a Mancunian legend who is truly a Human of The Fed.

If you're a fan of Humans of The Fed, Karen Phillips likely needs no introduction. The Fed's Chief Executive for much of the first two decades of the 2000s, Karen oversaw a raft of changes that pulled an organisation requiring modernising into the 21st century. Her determination and drive saw The Fed become one of the leaders in social care in the country, culminating with the merger between The Fed and Heathlands Village in 2009. And yet Karen's joining The Fed was almost by chance, and her ending up in the driving seat only came about through a serious of fortuitous events. With a lifetime of challenges that have cemented Karen's belief that if you want to see change happen, sometimes you have to be the one to make that change, Karen's story also centres around a routine stay in hospital which brought life to a terrifying halt. More than five years after stepping down from her role as Chief Executive and heading for the bright lights of London, Karen is back to tell Humans what she thinks of The Fed now and to lift the lid on her years in charge.

James Anderson (no, not that one) has an incredible story to tell. You might have come across him online or in the news without realising it, such is the reach and impact that his work is having in Greater Manchester, across the UK, and even internationally. Emerging from devastating tragedy and finding deep within himself a resilience he never knew he had, James' story has to be heard to be believed. A plumber and engineer by trade, James has undergone a transformation from "ordinary man" to become a shining example of how to care for others with no stigma or judgement; a guardian angel for those in crisis - something The Fed understands all too well. This is a very special episode of Humans of The Fed.

Mark Lillis has had one mightily unusual career path. Having spent more than four decades in professional football - a journey which took him to Manchester City (and the top scorer in 1985/86!), Derby County, Aston Villa and beyond, as well as managing and coaching in all four corners of the globe - Mark joined The Fed in late 2019, just a few short months before the onset of the global pandemic. It's difficult not to think of Mark's story as being emblematic for all of humanity - thrust into a situation of unprecedented fear and danger, determined to do the best he possibly could, being pushed far outside his comfort zone but manning his post day in, day out - all the while striving to learn everything he could about Judaism and Jewish life which permeates Heathlands Village. That's another thing about Mark - his thirst for knowledge. As someone who has lived and worked in numerous countries, rubbing shoulders with people from all backgrounds and nationalities, he has grabbed on to whatever he could throughout life's whirlwind journey and learned as much as possible about the world, working life... and Wembley Stadium. As he says: "It's all been fantastic."

Nestled among the moors just a stone's throw from Heathlands Village lies Salford City Football Club - a small local team with a giant sense of ambition. You might know of SCFC from the BBC and Sky Sports documentary 'Class of '92' - named after the famous group of owners, all former Manchester United players, who bought stakes in the club in 2014, but what you probably don't know about is the wealth of community work the club undertakes through its charity arm, Foundation92. Tom Hutton is the head of the Foundation, and joins Fed Director Raphi Bloom for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation on today's episode, explaining the work of football foundations, the extensive work Foundation92 does across the whole of Greater Manchester working with people from all backgrounds and circumstances, and the burgeoning partnership between the organisation and The Fed that is helping the Jewish community in so many ways.

Marc Levy’s rolodex (remember those?) would make most journalists drool. Housing contact details for some of the most influential and powerful people in the country, he certainly isn’t short of individuals to call on when pressing issues arise. From wooing Foreign Secretaries and Secretaries of State for Defence, to enjoying casual dinners – in a pre-Covid world - with leading politicians of all parties, as the Jewish Leadership Council’s North West, North Wales, and West Midlands External Affairs, Marc has a window into the personal lives and professional activities of the men and women who inhabit the seat of power across the UK. But how did this come to be? From growing up in the heart of Jewish Manchester, Marc takes us through his early years and adulthood, culminating in his present dual roles with the JLC and Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region. Describing Heathlands Village as ‘…one of the best care homes in the country,” and remarking that "...whatever people are struggling with, they will be cared for by The Fed," Mark is a leading advocate for the Jewish community and someone we are so lucky to have in our corner.