Jami launches first-of-its-kind suicide prevention programme in the Jewish community
Mental health charity invites Jewish communities to sign up to the initiative, developed with carers, rabbis, pastoral leaders and people bereaved by suicide
Mosaic Jewish community in Harrow, welfare charity Merseyside Jewish Community Care and Liverpool’s Allerton Synagogue are amongst those signed up to a landmark suicide prevention pilot scheme launched by Jami, the Jewish community’s mental health service.
Built on three years of research and consultation, this first tailored initiative of its kind aims to equip people with the confidence, skills and understanding needed to support someone experiencing thoughts of suicide, while recognising the cultural and emotional contexts that can make reaching out for help more difficult.
It was developed in response to extensive conversations across the community, including input from service users, carers, those with lived experience, people bereaved by suicide alongside initial focus groups with Barnet Council and interviews with rabbis and other pastoral leaders.
It aims to help participants recognise when someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, feel confident having supportive and non-judgemental conversations, better understand cultural and personal barriers to seeking help, and strengthen pathways to further support.
The pilot programme, also signed up to by Potters Bar & Brookmans Park United Synagogue, will be delivered by Jami’s senior mental health education and suicide prevention manager, Philippa Carr, who led its development, alongside Emma Dorman, senior education coordinator and CYP (children and young people) education lead.
A dedicated advisory panel made up of individuals directly affected by suicidality has guided the work and the new initiative also addresses ‘postvention’ – how to support people after the tragedy of a suspected suicide in the community.
Expert input and peer review has been provided by consultant clinical psychologist Dr Stuart Linke, alongside a partnership with Middlesex University to design a survey exploring attitudes and knowledge around suicide within participating communities.
Speaking about the programme, Philippa Carr said: “Now the challenge is getting it out there and giving our community the tools, confidence and humanity to be there for one another when it matters most.”
Jami is inviting members of the community to contribute to ongoing research, conducted in partnership with Middlesex University, that will help shape the programme and wider services.
For a link to the survey, please email education@jamiuk.org
- If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact: The Samaritans (24/7) 116 123 (calls are free) Or text SHOUT to 85258. In an emergency, call 999
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