Supporters raise £40k for Jami’s mental health services

More than 350 guests gathered at The Londoner Hotel on Thursday 19 February for Jewish Care’s annual Young Professionals Dinner, raising £40,000 for young people and adults living with mental illness and distress.

As mental health challenges in the community rise and the need for support continues to grow, the charity reports that 26% of people are living with mental health illnesses, and that number increases to 55% for those under 25 years old with younger people asking for earlier intervention.

Clark Norton, newly appointed chair of Young Jami Jewish Care (YJJC) said: “Jami provides one to one care, therapy sessions, advice, support for families and much, much more. Jami receives no government funding, meaning the money raised tonight is vital. Without it we would lose services like the incredible social enterprise café Head Room, and many other vital services.”

Vice chair of YJJC, Emilia Isaacs said: “I’ve seen first-hand the impact Jami can make – creating real change for real people. Jami provides hope through its life-changing services and reaches 3,000 young people and adults every year. This support aids mental health recovery, providing transformative help for families looking after somebody living with mental illness, and educates community leaders on how best to support and accommodate those who are struggling.”

Speaking after the dinner, Jewish Care’s director of fundraising and marketing, Ellisa Estrin, said, “As Jami, part of Jewish Care, faces increased pressures in the new financial year, this support from the Young Professionals Dinner is even more crucial to help ensure that Jami continues to provide essential mental health services to those who need them most in our community.”