Young Professionals Dinner Raises £40,000 for Mental Health Support

The Young Professionals Dinner hosted by Jewish Care recently raised £40,000 to support mental health initiatives through Jami, which is now part of Jewish Care. Over 350 attendees gathered to hear personal stories from individuals who benefited from Jami’s mental health services, emphasizing the urgent need for support within the community.

During the event, a moving video featured a young woman recounting her struggles with anxiety as a teenager and the coping strategies she learned from Jami. Another speaker, the mother of a child diagnosed with anorexia, highlighted the emotional and practical support provided by the organization.

Clark Norton, the newly appointed chair of Young Jami Jewish Care (YJJC), addressed the audience, stating, “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.” He noted that Jami does not receive government funding, making the funds raised crucial for ongoing services, including the social enterprise café, Head Room, and other vital programs.

According to Jami, mental health issues are increasingly prevalent, with 26 percent of individuals in the community facing mental health challenges. This figure rises dramatically to 55 percent among those aged under 25.

Emilia Isaacs, vice chair of YJJC, shared her firsthand experience of Jami’s impact, stating, “I’ve seen first-hand the impact Jami can make – creating real change for real people.” She emphasized that Jami reaches approximately 3,000 young people and adults each year, providing essential support for mental health recovery. This includes transformative help for families caring for individuals with mental illness, as well as educational programs for community leaders.

Isaacs also highlighted the Dangoor children and young person’s service, which operates in various schools including JCoSS, JFS, and Yavneh College, assisting those aged 11 to 25. Through weekly one-on-one support sessions with mental health practitioners, young people learn coping strategies and how to establish routines, helping them navigate challenges, including exam periods.

Recently, Jami expanded its talking therapies service to include young people aged 11 to 18, providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for secondary school students to explore their anxieties.

Following the dinner, Ellisa Estrin, director of fundraising and marketing for Jewish Care, expressed gratitude for the event’s success, crediting the hard work of the YJJC Committee led by Norton. She stated, “Thanks to the amazing hard work of our YJJC Committee and with the generosity of our guests and supporters, we were delighted that the dinner was a huge success, raising £40,000.” Estrin emphasized the importance of this funding, especially as Jami faces increasing demands in the coming financial year.

For those seeking support, Jami’s resources can be accessed at jamiuk.org. Individuals in need of immediate assistance can contact emergency services at 999, while the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 at 116 123. Text support is also offered by contacting Shout at 85258 and texting the word “Jami.”