Demand for Talking Therapies service forces Jami to take action

The importance of making Talking Therapies accessible to everyone in the community who needs it has spurred mental health service Jami, part of Jewish Care, to launch a 36-hour crowdfunder campaign to raise money for this vital service.

Actions Speak A Thousand Words will be launched on 8–9 February 2026 and aims to raise £400,000.

At a time when more and more young people and adults are struggling with their mental health, Jami is experiencing increased demand for its services, none of which receive any government funding. This means that Jami must raise voluntary income to fund its life-changing support for individuals, families and carers, and to educate community leaders. Talking Therapies is no exception.

Previously targeted at adults, Jami’s Talking Therapies service has expanded to support secondary school-aged children experiencing anxiety and depression, low self-esteem or difficulties coping with daily life. By offering a safe, non-judgemental space, the service helps young people explore worries, make meaningful choices and move forwards with confidence. At the same time, trainee and qualified therapists support adults dealing with trauma, loss, low self‑worth, suicidal thoughts, abuse, health anxiety, antisemitism, anxiety and depression to talk, reflect and heal.

Jami is keen to ensure that anyone in the community needing Talking Therapies is able to access this service, which is having a real impact on those with mental health needs. Daniel* is one of many who has benefitted. He sought help to address personal issues before becoming a father, feeling anxious, overwhelmed and low because of his own difficult childhood, which affected his relationships and confidence.

He says, “Faye helped me work through that and, once we did, we could talk about the baby and what becoming a parent meant. We gradually worked towards having a conversation with my parents, which I eventually did. It was difficult but helped long-term, and our relationship is better now.

“Faye was fantastic. She gave me space to talk and offered suggestions without forcing advice. I felt listened to. Jami helped me work through anxiety, fears about being short‑tempered, financial worries, health worries – all of it.

“I now have more confidence at work and in myself. I have also become more confident as a parent. Talking Therapies has helped me to understand past issues I hadn’t realised were still affecting me. I think I could have been a father, but Jami has helped me to be a better father.”

Jami is keen to ensure that everyone who may be struggling feels heard and can access the support they need. Recently, Jami brought the community together for Jami Mental Health Shabbat, encouraging open conversations about mental health and reminding people that support is available and that no one has to cope alone.

To find out how you can support Jami and its Actions Speak a Thousand Words crowdfunder campaign on 8–9 February, visit charityextra.com/jami

*names have been changed