The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) is pleased to welcome Wendy Stolerman to its team as Family Carer Support Specialist, bringing more than 20 years experience, supporting unpaid family carers, through her work at Jewish Care.
In her new role, Wendy will provide tailored, person-centred support to AJR members and others caring for a family member or friend. Drawing on decades of professional experience, she offers emotional support, practical guidance and coping strategies to help carers navigate the challenges of their caring responsibilities.
“Supporting carers has been at the heart of my work for more than two decades,” said Wendy. “I’m passionate about providing a safe and understanding space where people feel heard, supported and empowered.”
Alongside her work with family carers, Wendy is leading Facing Forward, an AJR initiative for second-generation Holocaust refugees and survivors. The project provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore how their parents’ experiences have shaped their own lives, connect with others who share similar backgrounds and reflect on the impact of family history across generations.
Wendy’s work includes:
- Providing emotional support and a listening ear for family carers.
- Offering practical advice and strategies to help manage the demands of caregiving.
- Coordinating peer support groups that foster connection, understanding and friendship.
- Facilitating the Facing Forward project for second-generation participants.
- Building supportive communities where people feel understood through shared experiences.
Through one-to-one support and group sessions, Wendy helps people build meaningful relationships and mutual support networks, recognising that shared understanding can play a vital role in improving wellbeing and resilience.
As a mother of four and grandmother of ten, Wendy also brings extensive personal life experience to her role, complementing her professional expertise with warmth, empathy and understanding.
“There is so much power in connection,” Wendy said. “When people feel truly understood, it can make an enormous difference to their wellbeing and resilience.”
AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman said: “We are delighted to welcome Wendy to the AJR team. Her wealth of experience supporting family carers, combined with her compassionate and person-centred approach, will be an enormous asset to our members. Wendy’s leadership of the Facing Forward project also strengthens our commitment to supporting the second generation, providing opportunities for connection, reflection and mutual understanding.”
Wendy welcomes enquiries from individuals seeking support as well as organisations interested in collaborative opportunities.
For more information on Family Carer service please contact wendy@ajr.org.uk
