Young Jami Jewish Care raise vital funds for mental health support - The Jewish Chronicle

Mental health support was at the top of the agenda at Jewish Care’s annual Young Professionals Dinner, where £40,000 was raised for Jami, which is now part of Jewish Care.

Over 350 Young Jami Jewish Care (YJJC) supporters heard heartrending stories from people who had struggled with their mental health and had subsequently sought support from Jami.

In a moving appeal video, one young woman shared how Jami had provided her with coping strategies as she had suffered from anxiety as a teenager, and the mother of a child who had been diagnosed with anorexia recalled the emotional and practical support Jami had given the family.

Clark Norton, newly appointed chair of YJJC and a committee member, told guests: “Jami is here for every single one of us, ensuring that there is first class provision for those who are struggling with their mental health in the Jewish community. Jami provides one-to-one care, therapy sessions, advice, support for families and much, much more.”

He said that as Jami received no government funding, the money raised would support services like “the incredible social enterprise café Head Room and many other vital services”.

According to Jami, mental health challenges in the community are rising, with 26 per cent of people suffering with their mental health, a figure which increases to 55 per cent for those under 25 years old.

Clark Norton (Photo: Justin Grainge)[Missing Credit]

Emilia Isaacs, vice chair of YJJC, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the impact Jami can make - creating real change for real people.

“Jami provides hope through its life-changing services and reaches 3,000 young people and adults every year. This support aids mental health recovery, providing transformative help for families looking after somebody living with mental illness, and educates community leaders on how best to support and accommodate those who are struggling.”

Emilia highlighted Jami’s Dangoor children and young person’s service, which currently operates in JCoSS, JFS, Yavneh College and within the community, supporting those aged 11 to 25.

Through weekly one-to-one support sessions with a Jami mental health practitioner, young people are helped with coping strategies, overcoming barriers and how to establish routines and structure. They can also get emotional and practical support to help them through exam periods.

Jami has recently extended its talking therapies service to young people aged 11 to 18, in addition to the adults it already supports, to give secondary-school-age children a safe, non-judgemental space to explore their anxieties.

Speaking after the dinner, Jewish Care’s director of fundraising and marketing, Ellisa Estrin, said: “Thanks to the amazing hard work of our YJJC Committee led by Clark Norton, and with the generosity of our guests and supporters, we were delighted that the dinner was a huge success, raising £40,000.

“As Jami, part of Jewish Care, faces increased pressures in the new financial year, this support from the Young Professionals Dinner is even more crucial to help ensure that Jami continues to provide essential mental health services to those who need them most in our community.”

For support, go to: jamiuk.org

If someone needs immediate help, call: 999

The Samaritans helpline is open 24/7. The number to call is: 116 123

Contact Shout (support by text) by texting the word Jami to 85258

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