’Jewish Citizens Advice’ opens Manchester office

The advice and crisis-support charity prides itself on its free and culturally sensitive one-to-one consultations, assisting those going through personal crises, financial disruption, and the overall challenges of daily life. Its caseworkers help clients navigate the benefits system, fill in forms and organise paperwork. Other services include helping budget, providing legal guidance and accompanying clients to tribunals.

The Paperweight Manchester office (Photo: Paperweight)[Missing Credit]

Previously the social responsibility manager at the United Synagogue, where she facilitated extensive support programmes and led social responsibility strategy, Gerson said: “I am delighted to join The Paperweight Trust at such an important moment in its growth. Paperweight’s commitment to practical, compassionate support is something I deeply believe in, and I’m looking forward to working closely with partners, volunteers and the wider Manchester Jewish community to build on the organisation’s vital work.”

Gerson’s role will include forging and strengthening relationships with local organisations, community partners, synagogues, local authorities and statutory bodies. She will also liaise closely with local government, housing and social care officials and support the central fundraising strategy by developing connections with donors and supporters.

The charity’s executive director, Barry Shaw, said: “Hannah’s appointment reflects our commitment to strong local leadership.

Her experience and community focus will be instrumental in growing our Manchester services and partnerships.”

Individuals who once felt stable are now only one pay cheque, one crisis, or one life event away from reaching a tipping point

The opening of the Manchester office is a response to the growing demand for the charity’s services. In 2025, records show that Paperweight took 6,400 calls from clients.

Following the announcement of the November Budget, which saw the continued freezing of income tax thresholds, Perrin told the JC: “Individuals who once felt stable are now only one pay cheque, one crisis, or one life event away from reaching a tipping point.

“We used to think vulnerability belonged to a small minority. But today, it is teachers, small business owners, parents, carers and young professionals calling us for the first time. These are people who have always coped, until suddenly they can’t”.

As well as in London and Manchester, Paperweight runs services in Gateshead, Leeds, Bournemouth, Brighton and Birmingham

For more information about Paperweight’s services, go to: paperweight.org.uk or click here