The story of the Morris Feinmann Home, later to become Belong Morris Feinmann, has its roots in the refugee movement of the Second World War. As war clouds gathered in the 1930’s, some German Jews began to emigrate to England (as their forefathers from Eastern Europe had done before them, fleeing not from Nazis but from pogroms).
A group of refugees raised funds and started the Manchester Jewish Refugee Committee to help Jews flee from Nazi Europe and – most importantly for our story – to settle in Manchester. Under the early chairmanship of Morris Feinmann, who started a guarantee scheme, and the later dynamic leadership of Heinz Kroch, the group supported refugees in all sorts of ways and in 1947 bought a small house in Didsbury at 7, Amherst Rd. By this time, Morris Feinmann had died but his dream “to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of old and needy persons of the Jewish faith, particularly such of them who were refugees from racial or religious persecution” was realise by others. From such humble beginnings of this small house for seven people, the Morris Feinmann Home grew and developed.
It moved to larger premises on Palatine Road in and became a home for the elderly in “the community at large’, not just refugees. The home was run by volunteers, who dedicated many hours of their time, money, expertise and love to providing care and a home from home. The environment was always Jewish and the residents enjoyed kosher food, festivals and shabbat.
In later years, there was growth in the form of specialist dementia care and the building of apartments, Barfield House, for those who were not ready for full time care but who enjoyed the proximity and activities of the home.
By 2012, the original building was felt to be no longer “fit for purpose” and a partnership was sought to build a brand new home. Belong have become our partners and have constructed the new state of the art Belong Morris Feinmann village, catering for up to 72 residents. The trustees of The Feinmann Trust will work with Belong to ensure that the village retains its Jewish culture and ethos, so as to keep the ideals of the founders and “add life to the years” of the residents.
About Us
Honorary President of The Feinmann Trust.
Alan Wilkins
In 2017, after 16 years of distinguished service as a Trustee and seven as Chair, Alan accepted the position of Honorary President of The Feinmann Trust. He was previously chairman of the Manchester Jewish Forum, which represents all Jewish welfare organisations in Greater Manchester.
Joint Chair of The Feinmann Trust
Viv Alexander
Viv joined the Feinmann Trust in 2018. Her interest in Morris Feinmann began when her mother moved from Liverpool to the old home. Viv joined the social committee and became chair before moving on to be a trustee. Viv is also a magistrate of almost 30 year’s standing and is a chair of both the adult and youth bench.
Alan Hyams
Alan is treasurer of The Feinmann Trust. He is a Chartered Accountant with experience of the care sector. He is an elected council member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales representing Greater Manchester.
Trustees
Helen Lister
Helen ran her own community pharmacy and it was here she gained experience working with nursing homes. Helen was appointed a trustee of Morris Feinmann Home in August 2000. She served as chairman of the board of trustees from November 2003 to November 2009. She works to ensure that the Jewish religious and cultural character of Belong MFH is maintained.
Richard Stone
Richard is a solicitor who in his professional life acts for many clients who require care and support. Richard’s father was a resident for 18 months the Belong Morris Feinmann Home.
Neil Sugarman
Neil has a long-standing connection with the Belong Morris Feinmann through his late mother who was the chair of the Residents’ Committee of Barfield House. Throughout his professional career as a solicitor he has always been involved with people who have been unfortunate enough to require care and support and has wide experience of the care sector and statutory services.