The community programme at Head Room, the mental health hub on the high street supported by The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, has won the Promoting Inclusion Award at the 10th London Dangoor Awards.
The award was presented to Head Room, which is one of Jewish Care’s Jami mental health services, at the annual awards ceremony which took place at The Royal Society of Medicine.
This award recognises the programme’s role in creating a welcoming and inclusive space where people living with mental illness and distress, or struggling with their mental health, can find connection, support, friendship and hope. The aim of the programme is to reduce isolation through meaningful activities that build community and reduce stigma around mental health.
The community café helps to promote conversations about mental health as part of community life. Anyone can drop in for a coffee, join free groups and activities, or access informal mental health support. Alongside offering a range of nutritious kosher food and drink, Head Room’s free daily community programme of activities includes co-working and wellbeing sessions, community befrienders, talks and walks, and creative activities which are offered in-person and online from Sunday to Friday. Staff are also trained in mental health awareness, safeguarding and suicide prevention.
Rooted in the Jewish community and open to all, Head Room’s community programme supports around 600 people each year and offers a visible, inclusive place to belong.
Gideon Levy, Community Development Facilitator at Head Room said, “For us at Head Room, this award recognises the importance of creating welcoming spaces where people feel seen, heard and supported. We are grateful to everyone who makes this work possible, our team, volunteers, partners and the people who are part of the Head Room community.
“The evening was a powerful reminder of the creativity, compassion and commitment that faith and belief communities bring to building a more inclusive London. Thank you to the London Dangoor Awards, the Faith & Belief Forum, and all the inspiring organisations recognised on the night.”
Louise Kermode, Jewish Care’s Interim Director of Community Services and Mental Health added, “Congratulations to our amazing staff, volunteers and Head Room members on this well-deserved achievement.
“Head Room is inspired by Jewish Care and Jami’s values of compassion, dignity and inclusion. Jewish tradition emphasises community responsibility and caring for one another, especially at times of vulnerability.
“By offering support in an informal café setting, Head Room helps reduce isolation, break down stigma around mental health, and makes it easier for people to seek help when they need it. It combines a thriving café with accessible mental health support in one open, high-street space. This model reduces stigma through everyday contact, making inclusion real rather than theoretical.”
Roz Nelson, who is a volunteer at Head Room, and attended the ceremony, said, “Head Room gives hope joy and friendship for all involved. It was an honour to be at the Awards.”
Annual attendance to Head Room’s community programme has grown from 228 in 2017 to 4,718 attendances last year. The impact that Head Room has made is clear from comments from some of those who attend the community programme.
“Head Room saved my life. The staff, the people, the connections – I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Head Room…It feels inclusive – it’s a shame the world is not more like Head Room.”
Staff and volunteers will also signpost and support people using Head Room’s community programme to access other Jami services if appropriate. Depending on the person’s needs, this may include connecting them to Jami’s one-to-one or peer support groups, our community hubs in Redbridge and Finchley, The Dangoor Children & Young Persons Service, Talking Therapies, Vocational Support service or carers groups. The carers’ team hosts a monthly drop-in for carers.
Head Room is currently closed for essential maintenance work but the community groups continue to run where possible from alternative locations and will welcome everyone back as soon as it reopens.
For more information about Head Room and the community programme, visit What’s On – Head Room Café or for general information about the café visit Head Room Café – More than a cafe, a place to connect.