A woman helped by mental health charity Jami in her battle against depression and an eating disorder shared her experiences with Jami supporters at a Hampstead event which raised more than £25,000.

“By the time of my A-levels I was severely depressed,” Rivkah Grant told the 85 guests at a ladies’ brunch. “Most days I was unable to go to school — and when I did, I sat in the corner of the classroom with my head down.

“I stopped eating and rapidly fell into the depths of starvation and depression. I couldn’t see a way out of the darkness.” She became suicidal and was hospitalised several times, most recently for six months last year.

Explaining Jami’s role in her recovery, she recalled that when she moved into her own flat, the charity helped her apply for a grant towards furnishing.

“I am very lucky to have a lovely flat — not something I ever thought I could manage. I settled in and am proud of what I have achieved with the help of others. Living in my own flat has allowed me to move on with many areas of my life, giving me the space to live fully independently.”

The changing landscape of mental health was discussed by Liz Jessel, Jami’s head of development.

“Our vision should be of a Jewish community which accepts and understands mental illness and is able to recognise and support someone in distress,” she said.

“With Jami’s help, we can build a resilient community that recognises that prevention and early intervention are key indicators of positive mental health and recovery.”

Daniela Pears, Susan Kahn, Susie Olins, Sarah Kaye and Aly Mosheim were the brunch hosts.