The AJR operates a nationwide network of Regional Groups that offer our members a unique opportunity to socialise with friends of similar backgrounds. In addition to organising local meetings, outings, coffee mornings, garden and tea parties, our outreach co-ordinators also arrange national and regional get-togethers. It is at such gatherings that many old friends have been reunited and new friendships formed.

The Outreach Department at AJR co-ordinates 43 different regional groups holding 300+ events each year, collectively attended by over 1500 different AJR members all over the UK. Each regional group has its own characteristics. Some exist just for social events, while others always have expert speakers. Some meet every month in local shuls or community halls, while others meet less frequently in different members’ homes. Some have only a handful of members while others regularly draw large crowds.The newest group is Muswell Hill, catering for AJR members between Highgate and Crouch End and it has already attracted eight new AJR members.A huge amount of effort goes to keeping events interesting. Co-ordinators meet bi-monthly to share ideas and members are welcome to make suggestions too. They are constantly looking for new things to do, while being mindful that some of the older members are less physically able so every activity or outing is very carefully planned.

As well as monthly meetings there are also day trips and longer trips like the four-day visit to Liverpool in Spring 2017. In preparation for the excursion to Liverpool three members of the Outreach Department road-tested the entire itinerary before they advertised the trip, including mapping all toilet stops! The team prides itself on its thoroughness. Two AJR Social Workers accompany the AJR members and the Outreach team co-ordinators on each residential trip, and the AJR team meets each morning of the trip to go through the day’s itinerary in detail and resolve any potential issues. And the same attention to detail is applied to regional events and meetings, including to pre- and post-travel.AJR policy is that no member should have to miss an event simply because they can’t get there, so we have a travel budget specifically for this purpose.

The events also allow Co-ordinators to help members with individual issues. While a member might not think of asking for help with something they are struggling with, be it a health, legal or financial problem for example, but they might mention it while chatting in a relaxed environment and then can be referred to AJR colleagues who are experts in that particular field. Recent years have seen increasing numbers of 2nd Generation and even 3rd Generation survivors and refugees attending events. The mix of different generations makes for lively discussions and helps younger generations to feel connected to their roots, particularly after their own parents or grandparents have passed on. For some members, especially those in the regions, AJR events are the only opportunities to mix with other people from a shared background. Even members who don’t want to talk about their or their families’ Holocaust experiences seem to benefit from the unspoken bond that exists.