Jami

23/06/2026

Sometimes, when a child is struggling, their sibling can feel it just as deeply, but may not have a space to talk about it.

We’re launching a new sibling support group for young people who have a brother or sister experiencing mental health challenges.

It’s a safe, supportive space where they can share what they’re going through, connect with others who understand, and feel less alone.

If you know a young person who might benefit, we’d really encourage you to get in touch by emailing [email protected].

21/06/2026

12/06/2026

Alyson Torns is proud to work as a Carer Peer Support Worker at Jami where she shares her passion for creative writing with the carers we support.

“Writing – whether poetry or prose – offers a powerful way to express thoughts and feelings that can be hard to say out loud. It creates space for emotions to be explored, understood and shared.

I’ve been with Jami for seven years, and one of my proudest achievements was setting up a weekly writing group at our Finchley hub before Covid. Today, that group is still going strong now led by someone I once supported, who has since become a volunteer.

There’s something truly special about a group of carers writing together. In the quiet, there’s a shared energy – it’s magical to see confidence grow and people begin to find their voice.

In a recent session, we explored the theme of “instability”. In just five minutes, the group created pieces that were honest, moving and deeply inspiring.

Creative writing is just one of the many ways Jami supports family members and carers – helping them feel heard, understood and less alone.”

If you are a carer, or know someone who could benefit from this support, please reach out. Together, we can ensure no carer struggles alone.

11/06/2026

This Carers Week, we’re recognising the people behind the scenes – the ones giving so much of themselves to support someone they love.

“When our daughter was in crisis, we felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to turn.

Jami gave us the space to come together, understand each other, and support her as a team. It wasn’t clinical or one-size-fits-all – it felt human, collaborative, and truly understanding.

That shift – from frustration to acceptance and connection – changed everything.”

Caring for someone living with mental illness or distress can feel isolating – but you don’t have to do it alone. Support is there for you too.

If this sounds familiar, reach out to Jami:

👉 Get support from Jami

📞 020 8458 2223
Visit jamiuk.org/get-support/

05/06/2026

Meet Davida. Davida has been volunteering for Jami since 2017. She currently volunteers at the Jami hub in Finchley once a week, where she helps to facilitate the groups, plays Rummikub with the members, joins in with the creative writing sessions and helps to serve lunch.
“The people at the hub feel like another family. I like all the different personalities I meet. I hope that by going there, I am cheering people up and making a difference.”

She is also a Compeer Befriender and chats weekly with two women who she originally met when she first started volunteering with Jami at our former hub in Edgware. She has got to know them very well over the past six years and aside from calling them regularly, she also sometimes meets up with them in person for a coffee or lunch.

During Covid, Davida would deliver food to people’s homes and enjoy a chat with them on their doorstep. She also used to bring her dog, Foxie, along on the walks that were organised when the hubs had to remain closed.

Davida decided to start volunteering for Jami because she wanted to do something that reminded her of her mum, who passed away in 2017 and was a keen volunteer herself. She also wanted to give something back to the Jewish community. “What I didn’t realise,” she says, “is how much volunteering has given back to me.”

Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom. 🧡

03/06/2026

Meet Michael. Michael is a Compeer Officer, Jami Ambassador and campaign champion. ☺️

For nearly three and a half years, he has been supporting people through his role as a Compeer Officer at Jami – helping to match clients with volunteers and ensuring those relationships provide meaningful connection, support and wellbeing.

As Michael puts it, he’s “the jam in the middle” – bringing people together, checking in regularly, and making sure both volunteers and clients feel supported.

Alongside his professional role, Michael is also a passionate volunteer for Jami. As a Jami Ambassador, he plays a key part in promoting Jami Mental Health Shabbat, working with his local community, synagogue leadership and others to ensure mental health is openly discussed and understood.

From speaking to large audiences and sharing his personal experiences, to encouraging others to tell their stories, Michael is driven by one simple aim: to spread awareness of mental health and show people that support is available, without judgement.

Michael is also a committed fundraising champion, having supported Jami’s fundraising campaigns to ensure more people can access Jami’s life-changing services.

He believes in the power of talking, listening and connection. “No matter what someone is going through, it’s so important that you talk about it as much as you can.” For Michael, being a Jami Ambassador isn’t just about raising awareness – it’s about building a community where everyone knows they are not alone. 🧡

02/06/2026

Meet Robin. Robin is a volunteer with Jami’s Compeer Befriending service and a community befriender at Head Room café, Jami’s mental health hub on the high street, supported by The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation. ☕️ 💬

Since becoming a Compeer Befriender five years ago, Robin has supported two different people with mental health issues through weekly phone calls and regular meets ups for a coffee or a walk.

He says “I’ve got to know my current befriender match very well. Our relationship is very supportive for him, but I get a lot from it too.” Building relationships with people and gaining their trust is very important to Robin, especially among those who may be feeling isolated because of their difficulties.

Robin decided to start volunteering because he wanted to give something back to the community. “The concept of Chesed is very important to me,” he says. “I also enjoy doing something different to my regular work, being out and about in the community, and being there to listen to someone talk about what’s bothering them and make them feel better.”

He also recognises the important part that volunteers like him play. “Volunteers are an additional workforce that can help deliver programmes on the ground, which is essential for a charity’s work to continue. Jami looks after its volunteers very well.” 🧡

21/05/2026

Chag Sameach from everyone at Jami. 🧡

Wishing all those celebrating a happy and meaningful Shavuot filled with joy, togetherness and plenty of cheesecake! 🌺 🌾✨