Its launch comes as the first anniversary approaches of the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, 2 October 2025. Worshippers Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz lost their lives, while others were seriously injured.
JEPRU honours their memory while recognising that the effects of such violence can continue long after physical wounds have been treated and the headlines have faded.
The unit aims to bridge the often-overlooked gap between emergency rescue and psychological recovery. It will provide prompt, properly governed and culturally informed support to Jewish people affected by terrorism, antisemitism and other traumatic incidents.
JEPRU’s work will include rapid Cognitive Psychological First Aid for people experiencing acute panic or distress, delivered at incident scenes and Humanitarian Assistance Centres. It also plans to support Family Reception Centres during missing-person, identification and family liaison processes, working alongside emergency, police and coronial services.
Crucially, help will also be available for those who protect and care for others. Community security personnel, paramedics, ambulance drivers, police officers, volunteers, ex-service personnel and other responders can themselves be deeply affected by what they witness. Peer support, Trauma Risk Management and psychological decompression will form part of JEPRU’s response.
A confidential telephone hotline, developed with TIKVA by KeepOlim, will offer support to people facing antisemitic abuse, intimidation or other incidents. JEPRU will also create national training covering Psychological First Aid, responder welfare, action following an attack and Jewish religious practices, customs and community needs.
The new unit is now inviting volunteers from every Jewish denomination and background, as well as professionals and members of the wider public who share its commitment to compassionate, responsible care. Roles range from clinicians, first-aid responders and peer supporters to hotline staff, welfare workers, administrators, callout coordinators and logistics volunteers. Training will be offered for suitable non-clinical roles.
At heart, JEPRU reflects a simple truth: nobody should have to navigate the aftermath of trauma alone.
Founded in 2016, Heads Up CIO has supported responses connected with the Manchester Arena bombing, Grenfell Tower, the London Bridge and Borough Market attacks, Ukraine, the aftermath of 7 October and the Heaton Park attack.
To volunteer, support JEPRU or learn more, visit JEPRU https://jepru.lovable.app/, email hello@headsupcio.org.uk or telephone 07397 293885.
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