Jewish Care and Jami - supporting families living with dementia and mental health challenges

Julie is a wife, a mother, a card-game player, a lover of kneidlach and is living with dementia.

Her world began to change when she was diagnosed with dementia – but who she is did not. She is still a wife, a mother and grandmother – someone who needs comfort in familiar routines and shared laughter. Dementia may shape her days, but it does not define her.

Julie’s husband, Simon, and daughters, Victoria and Beverly, were determined to care for her at home for as long as possible. But dementia can bring an emotional strain on the whole family, bringing daily exhaustion and uncertainty.

Her family say “We honestly don’t know what we’d do without Jewish Care. They’ve supported us in every possible way.”

Julie with fellow members of Jewish Cares Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia

From the very ¬first conversation, Julie’s family found reassurance, understanding and practical guidance. Through one-to-one family carer support, groups and practical advice, they no longer faced dementia alone.

At the same time, Julie began attending The Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia, where she enjoys meaningful routines; play the card games she loves; and feels safe, supported and connected.

Jewish Care provides essential dementia care and a vital lifeline for the families caring for loved ones at home. As well as across their nine care homes.

Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Marketing, Ellisa Estrin, says, “This Pesach, as we reflect on the journey from hardship to freedom, we are reminded that for families affected by dementia, freedom can mean reassurance, support, and knowing that help is always there.

“Today, demand for our services is rising at a pace we’ve never seen before and our costs continue to grow. The National Insurance increase alone has added an extra £1.1 million each year to our annual costs. That is why your support matters more than ever.

“A donation this Pesach will help Jewish Care continue to provide specialist dementia services, ensuring that Julie, and thousands of others across our community, receive the professional care and family support they need.”

Jami, part of Jewish Care, provides mental health support to those in the community who are struggling.

When Debbie first came to Jami, she felt her life was unravelling. Serious physical health challenges and the loss of her daily routine, which she relied on, caused her mental health to deteriorate. Everyday tasks became overwhelming and she felt anxious, uncertain and alone.

Debbie says, “Everything felt overwhelming. Knowing someone was there made it possible to keep going.”

Debbie was supported by Angela, a Jami social work assistant, who provided calm, consistent and practical help at a time when things felt impossible to manage. Angela accompanied Debbie to medical appointments, supported her through major surgery, and helped her navigate everyday challenges – offering reassurance, stability and understanding when Debbie needed it most.

Slowly, things began to change for Debbie with the right support in place, she started to regain her confidence. She began to feel steadier, more supported, and better able to face what lay ahead. Knowing that someone was there – someone who understood – made all the difference.

Louise Kermode, Director of Community Mental Health Services, says, “Jami provides person-centred mental health support to people across our community, recognising that recovery looks different for everyone, and that progress often comes through small, steady steps. Your support will help ensure that no one has to face mental illness alone, and that Jami can be there every step of the way.”

More people than ever are turning to Jami. Yet Jami receives no government funding for its mental health services. Jami relies entirely on the generosity of people like you. Your donation this Pesach will help the charity to continue to provide vital services to people like Debbie and everyone who needs Jami.

This Pesach, your support can help someone move forward – from an uncertain future and distress towards stability, confidence and hope.