Jewish secondary schools in London, Essex, and Hertfordshire have been offered support from Jami to implement suicide prevention units within the school curriculum.
Updated government guidance on relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education in schools was published in July 2025 but only came into effect at the start of this month.
It states that curricula should include “recognising and talking about emotions, looking after one’s own and others’ wellbeing, […] and judging whether feelings or behaviour require support”.
It also encourages schools to discuss “isolation, loneliness, and bullying, and how to cope when things go wrong in life” and asserts that “it is also important to ensure pupils understand how to seek help from a trusted adult”.
Jami will be holding webinars which will help teachers formulate age-appropriate lesson plans and learn how to hold space for young people where they can have supportive conversations with staff and peers.
Schools will also be able to follow up with one-to-one meetings with Jami about anything that they want to discuss further.
Thus far, JCoSS and King Solomon High School have taken up the offer, with more schools expected to follow suit.
“Suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility, and schools have a vital role to play in helping young people understand mental health, recognise when they or someone else may need support, and know where to turn for help,” said Philippa Carr, Jami’s senior mental health education and suicide prevention manager.
“These conversations can feel challenging, but when delivered appropriately, they can help reduce stigma and encourage early intervention. We are proud to support Jewish schools in delivering this education in a way that reflects the unique cultural and faith considerations of our community, while ensuring young people receive the knowledge, understanding and support they need.”
In May the JC reported how Jami was piloting a suicide prevention programme in synagogues, acknowledging the stigma within the Jewish community when it comes to seeking help for suicidal thoughts.
“For some people, it feels shameful to have thoughts of ending one’s own life, and this can be complicated by one’s faith and how someone is brought up,” Carr said at the time.
Jami, which is the branch of Jewish Care which provides mental health support, has also coordinated the Emergency Response Initiative Consortium (ERIC) since 2019. It supports Jewish schools following a student suicide or other sudden death, through guidance, consultation, and an in-person first responder service.
The consortium includes several community organisations, including Norwood, CST, JBCS, Grief Encounter, and PaJeS. It provides schools with a guide that includes communication methods, support networks, mental health training and suicide prevention procedures.
If you need help or are supporting someone else, visit www.jamiuk.org/get-support or call 020 8458 2223
For 24/7 free, anonymous support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or text Jami to 85258
In an emergency, call 999
To get more from community, click here to sign up for our free community newsletter.