Over 350 Young Jami and Jewish Care (YJJC) supporters gathered at The Londoner Hotel on Thursday 27th March for Jewish Care’s annual Young Professionals Dinner, raising £100,000 to help support the mental health services provided through Jami, part of Jewish Care for those living with mental illness and distress.
Clark Norton, YJJC Committee member, introduced Victoria Stepsky, Assistant Mental Health Practitioner at Jami’s Dangoor Children and Young Person’s Service. Victoria gave a moving speech, sharing her personal mental health journey and the impact of Jami’s support on children and young people.
“For as long as I can remember, I have lived with anxiety. This became much worse after my dad passed away suddenly when I was just 13 years old. The fragility of life filled me with fear as a child and teenager, leaving me consumed by constant worry about my own health and the health of those closest to me.”
Victoria described how her struggles continued into university, where she felt isolated and overwhelmed. It was then that she began receiving support from Jami.
“My support worker helped me with my self-confidence and self-esteem, making everyday life feel less overwhelming.”
Inspired by her experience, she pursued a career in mental health and now works in Jami’s Dangoor Children and Young Person’s Service, supporting young people aged 11 to 25, experiencing similar challenges to the ones she had previously faced. This service currently provides vital support at JCoSS, JFS, and in the community. The multi-skilled support team includes social workers, mental health practitioners, and support workers, combining professional mental health support, Jami’s evidence-based Talking Therapies, with tailored, accessible care.
Victoria continued, “I wanted to channel my own experiences and journey into supporting others, as I’d been supported.
“Looking back, had Jami’s Dangoor Children and Young Person Service existed when I was younger, it could have had a major impact on my life. I believe if I had received this support while navigating my own stormy younger years, it would have completely changed my experience of growing up and developing into my own person. Knowing there would’ve been someone I could trust and confide in would have made a world of difference.”
Victoria emphasised the growing need for mental health support and urged guests to contribute, saying, “Without Jami’s services many of us in the Jewish community would be left with no support.”
Mental health challenges are rising, especially for younger people and the need for support continues to grow. 26% of people are living with mental health illnesses, and that number increases to 55% for those under 25 years old. *
Marcus Sperber, Chair of Jewish Care, told guests, “Over the past year, Jami has supported 1,650 children, young people, and adults in the Jewish community who are struggling with their mental health. Jami’s mental health services are absolutely life-changing. Through expert support, much of it from people who have lived experience of mental illness themselves, Jami guides people through their recovery, offers support to families and carers, and helps raise awareness around mental health.”
Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere with dinner and music from a DJ, alongside inspiring speeches highlighting Jami’s vital work.
Speaking after the dinner, Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Ellisa Estrin, said, “Thanks to the amazing hard work of our YJJC Committee led by Nicole Ashton, and with the generosity of our guests and supporters, we were delighted that the dinner was a huge success, raising £100,000.
“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.”
To donate to Jami and for more information, please visit jamiuk.org/donate/ or call 020 8458 2223.