Meet The Team
Neshomo is a Jewish, culturally sensitive, confidential mental health charity for adults. We strive to be accessible, welcoming and accepting of all. Our goal is to improve emotional wellbeing and reduce stigma within the Manchester Jewish Community.
Yitz Strom
Clinical Director
Yitz Strom is a dedicated mental health professional with over seven years of experience in the field.
As Clinical Director, Yitz oversees the Befriending process to ensure clients and befrienders receive appropriate and effective support, while also maintaining the high standards that have always been central to Neshomo’s mission.
He works in both private practice and on behalf of JAMH, specializing in supporting individuals facing anxiety, depression, and addiction within the local community. Yitz holds a degree from Manchester College, an advanced diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and a diploma in Psychosexual Therapy. His trusted reputation has led to client referrals from various local mental health organizations, reflecting his commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care.
Gavriel Goldblatt
Befriending Service Manager (Male clients)
As Befriending Service Manager at Neshomo, Gavriel supports individuals in the community facing mental health challenges by matching them with volunteer befrienders.
Gavriel recruits, trains, allocates and supervises these befrienders, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide necessary support.
With a first-class honours degree in Psychology and ten years of experience as a social skills mentor for adolescents with neurodiversity, Gavriel brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the role. His years of clinical supervision from mental health professionals provide him with an excellent understanding of people, perspectives and professionalism.
Currently also acting as SENDCo at Ahavas Torah Boys Academy, Gavriel is dedicated to creating inclusive environments and supporting people with different needs.
Zahava Smith
Befriending Service Manager ( Female clients)
In her role as Befriending Service Manager, Zahava manages the Female Befriending Service.
Zahava is a Person Centred Psychotherapist, specialising in bereavement, anxiety and relationship issues, and is a member of the BACP.
Zahava has extensive experience in the voluntary sector
for AgeUK as well as working for JAMH.
Zahava speaks 5 languages fluently (English, Yiddish, French, Hebrew and Dutch) which has proven to be a valuable resource when dealing with people from foreign countries.
Faigy Bass
Assistant Manager - Befriending Service
In her role as assistant manager, Faigy helps to ensure the smooth running of the befriending service.
Faigy is a person-centred psychotherapist, specializing in pregnancy loss and bereavement. She works closely with JEMS to support ladies experiencing pregnancy loss and infertility. Faigy has specialist training from Knafayim to support families dealing with loss.
Faigy also runs a charity supporting women going through pregnancy loss and infertility, preparing and delivering care packages.
Faigy is a member of the BACP and got her degree from the Manchester College.
Faigy brings her caring and understanding nature to the Neshomo team.
Elisheva Kahan
Administration
Elisheva is the Administrator for Neshomo, supporting all the other members of the team.
She ensures the smooth running of our service, in particular making sure that our befrienders are DBS checked and references are checked.
Elisheva has a wide range of experience in administrative and organisational skills.
Alisa Poultorak
Project Administrator
As Project Administrator, Alisa works closely with different teams across the organization to help ensure budgets are followed and funds are used in the most meaningful way.
A Chartered Accountant with a passion for purpose-driven work, Alisa is excited to put her financial and organizational skills to good use.
She speaks English, French and Hebrew, and values open communication, teamwork, and making a positive difference behind the scenes.