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

The annual Young Professionals Dinner hosted by Young Jami Jewish Care (YJJC) successfully raised £40,000 to support mental health services within the community. Held recently, the event attracted over 350 attendees who learned about the significant impact Jami has on individuals facing mental health challenges.

During the dinner, guests were moved by personal testimonies that highlighted the essential services offered by Jami, which is now part of Jewish Care. One young woman shared her experiences with anxiety, explaining how Jami equipped her with coping strategies during her teenage years. Another poignant account came from a mother of a child diagnosed with anorexia, who expressed gratitude for the emotional and practical support her family received from Jami.

Community Impact and Need for Support

Clark Norton, the newly appointed chair of YJJC, addressed the audience, emphasizing Jami’s commitment to providing high-quality mental health support. He stated, “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.” Norton pointed out that the funds raised will help sustain various services, including the social enterprise café Head Room, as Jami relies solely on donations due to a lack of government funding.

According to Jami, mental health issues are increasingly prevalent, with 26% of individuals in the community reporting such challenges. This figure jumps to an alarming 55% among those under the age of 25.

Emilia Isaacs, vice chair of YJJC, shared her observations about Jami’s transformative impact: “I’ve seen first-hand the impact Jami can make—creating real change for real people.” She noted that Jami reaches approximately 3,000 young people and adults annually, providing vital support for mental health recovery and assisting families caring for those with mental illness.

Expanding Services for Young People

Part of Jami’s outreach includes the Dangoor children and young person’s service, which operates in various educational institutions such as JCoSS, JFS, and Yavneh College. This initiative specifically supports individuals aged 11 to 25 through weekly one-on-one sessions with mental health practitioners. These sessions focus on developing coping strategies and establishing routines, particularly during stressful periods like exam times.

Recently, Jami has expanded its talking therapies service to include young people aged 11 to 18, providing a safe environment for them to discuss their anxieties without judgment.

Following the event, Ellisa Estrin, Jewish Care’s director of fundraising and marketing, expressed her appreciation for the contributions made by the YJJC Committee and the generosity of guests. She acknowledged that the funds raised from the dinner are vital, especially as Jami anticipates increased demands in the coming financial year.

To learn more about Jami’s services or to seek support, visit: jamiuk.org. For immediate help, individuals can contact emergency services at 999, reach the Samaritans helpline at 116 123, or text “Jami” to 85258 for support via text.