Jewish
1 September 2016
FOOD FOR THOUGHT SUPPLEMENT
Coffee in confidence • Drop into Jami’s new café for coffee and courses • One to one: Advice from someone who has been in your shoes • Prep Time: Getting your head in gear for university
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The Jewish News 1 September 2016
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Jami SUPPLEMENT
COFFEE CONFIDENTIAL Sip, Shop, Share is the slogan for a new cafe that plans to change the way mental health is perceived in the community. Debra Barnes went for a latte to learn more... “SHOREDITCH COMES TO GOLDERS GREEN” is how Jami Chief Executive Laurie Rackind describes the new Head Room café, about to open in the space that used to be the charity’s shop in Golders Green Road. “First, this is a cool coffee shop which people will want to come to, but it will also present a better image of mental health on the high street. Secondly it will provide work placements for Jami’s service users and we hope it will generate some much-needed income for the charity. It’s a social enterprise, but we don’t want it to look like one.” Indeed there is no obvious Jami branding in sight, but the walls feature on-trend paintings with slogans such as ‘I’m fine!’ and ‘Labels are for jars, not people’ which in an artistic way delivers the subliminal message that this is not just somewhere to get a cappuccino, but a place to really talk with food and beverages as a bonus. And knowing who is available to chat will be made easier as Jami staff will be wearing a Heads Up shirt which will single them out as the people who are ready to listen to anyone who feels they would like someone to point them in the right direction for help. In order to ensure a first-class offering which will keep customers coming back, Jami have teamed up with professional good food partners to supply Ottolenghi style dishes in a kosher environment. “All the staff will be trained in mental health first aid and our aim is that after six months 25% of the staff will be sourced from our social enterprise,” explains Laurie. Head Room also has a breakout area where activities will be run. “My colleagues at Jami
“The idea was to create a cool coffee shop that would help mental health become cool” are itching to use the space but we’re going to take things gradually. This is a pilot after all which could eventually be replicated in other areas with large Jewish communities. We don’t want it to turn into a day centre, but we do hope that visitors will be encouraged to pop into some of our sessions which they might not otherwise have attended. Many of our sessions are for anyone and everyone.” The coffee shop is the next step for Jami in their vision of removing the stigma of mental
Laurie Rackind, Jami Chief Executive and Baruch Coutts, Head Room Project Manager
health illness. “It’s great that people are starting to talk about mental health, but where do you go for the next step? Why not to the coffee shop on the high street where you might just join in with an anxiety management workshop, or maybe sit and chat with someone who understands? Head Room gives Jami the opportunity to go to where the people are rather than waiting for them to come to us.” “I believe that Head Room is the first of a kind. I’ve heard of pop-up cafés of this type in libraries or hospitals but never in such a commercial way on the high street. Wouldn’t it be great if the Jewish community was known not just for providing great care homes, but for embracing mental health too? Jewish people love talking about their physical health so why not about their mental health as well – we all have it, after all. Let’s get rid of
the stigma!” Laurie first had the vision four years ago. “The idea was to create a cool coffee shop which would help mental health become cool too.” Head Room really is as voguish as they come with its long brass bar, industrial lighting, bare brick walls, exposed pipes and reclaimed furniture. “We’re so lucky that the retro vintage look is in fashion, as it’s allowed us to create a fantastic trendy space on a tight budget! Most of the tables and chairs have been donated, the piano was bought from the Sue Ryder charity shop a few doors away (and they gave us a 33% discount!) and the grandfather clock was another donation that we’ve been saving for a while as we knew it would look just right in this new space.”
Despite being so suited to the décor, all of the items of furniture are actually for sale and the plan is to continually bring in new items both for decoration and stock. “If there is something that we really love we may have to put a high price tag on it so that it doesn’t get sold too quickly!” comments Baruch Coutts, the project manager responsible for this incredible transformation. “There is also a retail space in Head Room where we’ll be selling top end vintage and designer second-hand goods. Now that our shop has been turned into this fantastic café many of our other donations are now being sold on eBay which we’ve found to be more profitable and also teaches our volunteers a range of transferable skills like photography and e-commerce.” The slogan for Head Room is Sip, Shop, Share. It’s a bit of a tongue-twister, no really just try saying it out loud, but it encompasses the ethos behind the idea: Sip a coffee, Shop from the vintage retail space, Share your thoughts... in the breakout space or with a member of Jami’s expert staff. Visit: www.headroomcafe.org
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1 September 2016 The Jewish News
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The Jewish News 1 September 2016
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Jami SUPPLEMENT
PEER POWER Jami’s Peer Support Workers draw on their own ‘lived experience’ with mental illness to offer support to the charity’s many clients. Debbie Lightman meets two valued members of the team
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ith one in four of us likely to suffer from a mental illness in any given year, the UK’s statutory mental health services are in high demand. But while medication and therapy can be extremely effective, Jami compliments the clinical approach with a path to recovery, that turns the medical model of ‘doctor’ and ‘patient’ on its head. Jami employs peer support workers, whose unique strength is having personally experienced mental health issues. They receive ongoing training, qualifying them to listen to your problems and help you identify your goals, enabling you to achieve them at your own pace. But more than that, having themselves climbed out of the darkest depths of mental illness and sustained good health, they are offering a genuine ray of hope, that life can and will get better. Mental illness can be incredibly isolating. But as two of Jami’s peer support workers share their journeys, it’s clear that no one has to fight alone…
Andrew’s story Andrew, a former Jami service user, has spent two years providing peer support at Jami’s Edgware hub. “I was working in marketing and advertising, in denial that I was depressed, when I suffered a breakdown. I had self-esteem issues, OCD,
body image problems and agoraphobia. I was given therapy and took medication, but despite this, I didn’t work for several years, as I couldn’t leave the house. If you’d have seen my mental pain as physical pain, you’d have rushed me to hospital, but it’s the invisible illness and my family felt helpless.” “Eventually I visited a Jami centre. The open door policy with their ‘we’re here for you’ mentality, gave me a sanctuary to breathe. This triggered me to practise mindfulness, which was key to my recovery, as it altered my reaction to negative thoughts.” “Because Jami didn’t pressurise me to reach unattainable goals, I started to do other things. I got involved with their newsletter and posters
‘Because Jami didn’t pressurise me to reach unattainable goals, I started to do other things’
Andrew, Peer Support Worker: ‘Talking openly creates trust’
and became a volunteer. I even went out to work again, before landing the peer support role.” “It’s refreshing to combine clinical treatment with something more informal and humanised. When I talk openly about my experience, it cre-
ates a level of trust, which encourages people to open up. You can’t push someone who’s struggling, so I only suggest options, such as a referral to one of our occupational therapists, social workers, or employment team. I don’t put a timeframe on progress” “I meet clients outside the centre and metaphorically hold their hand as we face their fears. Seeing people progress from being unable to leave the house, to volunteering or studying or socialising, is very rewarding.” “I also run activity-based social groups such as the Lad Lounge, for 18 to 35 year-old men and coffee groups for older clients. In a public environment, people forget their problems, make friends and learn to laugh again, which inspires them to move on with their lives.” “People think a peer support worker could have a breakdown at any time, but if you’ve gone through hell and come out the other side, you’ve got resilience. In a way, depression is the best thing that’s happened to me, because I’ve been forced to fend for survival. Now I can face pretty much anything.”
what I was going through. The meetings offered a supportive space to try and make sense of a state of mind that’s so difficult to describe and I could give and receive support. I only wish I’d heard about this earlier.” “I’ve struggled with difficult episodes since childhood. There have been times when I’ve been unable to get out of bed, which has meant I’ve been forced to rethink my career more than once.” “However, my role at Jami has led to some of the most rewarding and creative work I’ve
Daniel’s story Peer support worker Daniel has been based at Jami’s Finchley hub for nearly two years. “I first heard about peer support work, when I dragged myself to a peer led support group, run by the organisation, Depression Alliance. It was a powerful experience, because for the first time, I was among people who understood
ever done. Reflecting on my own mental health, has taught me so much about compassion, respect and resilience.” “I’m in the process of setting up a depression group at Jami. I also run a discussion group and a sharing circle, where clients lead mindfulness exercises and I encourage people to take part in the planning or to co-facilitate. In addition, I have a caseload of clients who I work with on a one-to-one basis. It’s a collaborative process – I work with, rather than on, someone.” “I’ve witnessed some amazing developments in my clients. For some, that’s been expressing themselves in a group, others have pursued voluntary work, employment or education. One client, who’d been asked to leave several NHS mental health services, has managed to create great relationships with other clients and staff, becoming an inspiring and proactive member of our community.” “Peer support work is a two-way process. It involves developing a positive view of yourself, as well as cultivating a relationship with others. Recovery is never linear. It’s only through learning to value our experiences, that we can grow and develop increasingly meaningful lives.”
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TAKE AWAY
KNOWLEDGE Student life should be a positive experience, but for some it can be overwhelming. Jami’s Recovery Education Manager, Philippa Carr, advises Debbie Lightman on supporting our children at university
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ver the next few weeks, thousands of Jewish parents across the country will be overloading their cars with boxes, bags and bedding and depositing its contents, together with their 18-year-old, at university. But despite having familiarised our offspring with the washing machine, packed enough teabags to last until graduation and warned them of the dangers of twofor-one cocktails on an empty stomach, it’s impossible to shake the fear that our baby won’t cope without us.
in touch with friends too, so they can share anxieties with each other.” “Also, discuss how they plan to communicate with you,” she continues, “and how often you can expect to hear from them. They might prefer a family WhatsApp group, emails or texts to calls, so prepare to negotiate, but remind them you need to know they’re safe.” Fast forward a few weeks and if we’re becoming increasingly concerned for our child’s wellbeing, we may feel compelled to intervene. But are we being neurotic? Do they just need a sympathetic ear? Or have we noticed a real change in our child’s personality, that’s left us fretting about their state of mind? With depression worryingly common among students, Philippa describes some of the signs and symptoms, alongside other issues to look out for: “Self-isolation - Avoiding people and shying away from opportunities that they’d usually relish.” “Unexplained aches and pains or tiredness – Psychosomatic symptoms and sleep disturbances or an enduring lethargy that isn’t satisfied by adequate rest and nutrition.”
Philippa Carr, Recovery Education Officer
Philippa Carr, who runs Jami’s ‘Head Room’ programme of mental health education for the community – agrees that being miles from home, surrounded by new people, while managing their studies, finances and social life, can be tough. “It’s a demanding time, because it symbolises the true transition from child to adulthood,” explains Philippa, who, alongside her team, runs mental health workshops in schools. “At 18, there are rising levels of dopamine in the brain which can influence behaviour, which might appear impulsive. That, coupled with difficult life events, can make them feel vulnerable and insecure.” However, Philippa insists we remind ourselves that our children are capable individuals and to start the year with confidence. In preparation, there are a few conversations worth instigating now. “Always let your children know you’re there if they want to talk, but you won’t pry into their lives,” says Philippa. “Encourage them to keep
“Feeling flat – Often described as being ‘stuck in a glass jar,’ they can see what’s happening outside, but feel numb and unable to interact.”
One pattern of mental illness can be self-isolation
spiral.” As a first step, Philippa recommends casually asking our children how they’re settling in to university. “Start with gentle fact finding,” she suggests. “Never say “I’m worried,” because that communicates our own anxieties and they’ll back off. If they’re not coping, try and get de-
“Fluctuating Moods - Switching from excitable to extremely low, in succession, over several weeks.” “Anxiety – Worries dominating their thoughts. Overly anxious about loved ones, or unpleasant ruminations about something happening to them or others.” “Changes in memory or concentration - Unable to focus or concentrate and increasingly forgetful. Everyday tasks feel like huge mountains.” “Illogical perceptions - In severe cases, unusual beliefs emerge. Feeling vulnerable, believing the world is against them.” “Our kids can get caught up in their own anxieties,” explains Philippa. “One of the patterns of mental illness, is that they isolate themselves, because they haven’t got the emotional resource to deal with the world, which makes them less able to get help. It’s a downward
tails. If their feelings are unrelenting and they feel like the world is demanding too much, they should contact their GP to access further help.” We may also want to ensure they’re socialising, as relationships with others are crucial to improving mental health. “Encourage social networks, with people who share an interest,” pleads Philippa. “We are social beings and it’s so important to find people whom we like and who appreciate us.
Applaud them for getting involved, even if it’s not the Jewish Society!” If we’re still struggling to get through to our child, we should take heart that universities are offering an increasing level of support on campus. They can seek help themselves from designated tutors, professional counsellors and GPs. There’s also ‘Nightline’, where callers can speak in confidence to trained students. Or they can visit the university chaplain, who’ll be experienced at engaging with young people. Equally, we can point them in the direction of a friend or relative, to whom they can relate. In addition, we can speak to a member of the team at Jami, who can arrange an assessment or offer information on where to turn. They can also support parents caring for students experiencing mental health difficulties. “The good thing for this generation,” reassures Philippa, “is that young people are more predisposed to talking about their mental wellbeing. It’s become acceptable to seek professional support, whether that’s counselling or CBT or a course of anti-depressants. Mental illness has a massive spectrum from mild to severe, but wherever it impacts on your child, the help is there.” • For more information on looking after your children’s mental well-being, Jami will be holding a Family Resilience Conference on Sunday 19 March 2017
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The Jewish News 1 September 2016
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Jami SUPPLEMENT
On course for recovery Learning with Jami’s Head Room programme Learning continues to be at the heart of Jami’s Head Room programme. The Head Room team provide seminars and events to educate the whole community about mental health and wellbeing. Alongside this we run a range of courses to support people on their recovery or personal development journey. We run our events at community venues, in the new Head Room Café and in our centres, reaching out and engaging people like you. A selection of our courses and events from our new prospectus are detailed below.
Seminars and Community Conversations Our Seminars and Community Conversations cover subjects related to mental health and wellbeing. Our house learning style is interactive, providing opportunities both to listen and to join in the dialogue. We encourage participation, but we also believe in good management, so as with all our Head Room events, you will be in safe hands whatever the subject under discussion. Who are these for? Everyone! All you need is to be interested in the subject and happy to join in the conversation.
Mind the Gap – Our Expectations & the Impact of ‘Jewish Guilt’ Pressure and expectation affect us all in every stage of life. Sometimes these expectations motivate us, sometimes they feel oppressive and stifling. What if we don’t have certain things in our lives that we feel we ‘should’ have or be where we’re ‘meant’ to be? Unrealistic expectations can have a detrimental impact on our sense of self-worth and selfconfidence. This community conversation session will look at the impact of expectations on yourself, your relationships and your relationship with your community. Thursday 15th December 2016, 5.00 - 7.00pm, Gants Hill Cost: £5 including light refreshments
Self-Harm in Young People: What Can We Do? According to a study by Young Minds, 1 in 12 young people and children are thought to self-harm. CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services) has seen a huge spike in referrals for selfharm in the last few years with no sign of change. Why are young people turning to self-harm and what can parents, teachers, friends and youth workers do about it? Join us for this community conversation that seeks to debunk the misunderstanding around self-harm and attempt to engage the community in a frank yet supportive conversation. Tuesday 27th September 2016, 5.00 - 7.00pm, Golders Green Cost: £10 including a drink and cake from our selection Thursday 29th September 2016, 5.00 - 7.00pm, Gants Hill Cost: £5 including light refreshments
“My Daughter has a Mental Health Problem”: A Conversation for Carers When we are caring for a son, daughter, sibling or other close relative with a mental health problem we can feel isolated and fearful for their future. Will we be able to let go, ever? We might feel we cannot bring up the issue in ‘polite company’ and that our friends and family will shun us if we do. We might not consider ourselves to be an official carer if they are adults and no longer live with us, but the definition of a carer is someone who is involved with the person affected whether they live with them or not. If you can identify with these issues we’d love to have your company for this important conversation. Tuesday 6th December 2016, 5.00 - 7.00pm, Golders Green Cost: £10 including a drink and cake from our selection
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Recovery Education at Head Room Recovery education provides opportunities for the sharing of experience and thoughts and uses a variety of activities to bring the subjects to life. These courses are facilitated by mental health professionals/educators and peer trainers with lived experience of mental health problems. You will be working in groups of up to 10 people in a safe space to explore the issues and themes under discussion. Who are these courses for? People who identify with having lived experience of mental illness or distress including stress related issues and experiences. Cost: No charge for people who are currently getting support from our mental health service or £20 per 6 week course.
The Only Constant in Life is Change Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher, framed this great truth a long time ago, yet for many of us change and transition are still the toughest challenges we face. Many of us don’t like change, it unsettles us, and makes us feel vulnerable. We fear we might not regain our equilibrium after the change or transition. For some of us depression and anxiety rear up when change is on the horizon. Yet if we can’t escape change how can we learn to live with it? On this course, we will be exploring our feelings about change and transition and creating our own personal strategy to manage change, one step at a time. Come along and help us to cope with the challenge of change that we all face at some point in our lives. Wednesday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th November 2016 and 7th December 2016 2.00 - 3.30pm, Edgware
Enhance my Confidence; Increase my Assertion Self-confident people have qualities that everyone admires yet so many people struggle to find them. Sadly, this can be a vicious circle: people who lack self-confidence can find it difficult to become or feel successful. Assertive individuals are able to get their point across without upsetting others, or becoming upset themselves. Everyone acts in passive and aggressive ways from time to time and such ways of responding often result from a lack of self-confidence. The good news is that self-confidence and assertion really can be learnt and built on. If you need some support to develop your own confidence and assertiveness skills, it’s well worth the effort – join us to start this journey in our small group environment and let’s boost our wellbeing together! Thursday 20th and 27th April 2017, and 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th May 2017 2.15 - 3.45pm, Gants Hill
Mind and Body Spa These courses and events are for people who want to improve the management of the stresses and strains in their life. These evening courses run in a variety of venues. The activities and discussions are designed to skill you up and provide a reflective space in a supportive environment in a group of about 12 people.
Introduction to Mindfulness
Who’s it for? Would you enjoy taking part in a group of people of all ages, from across the Jewish community? Are you interested in Mindfulness and would like to ‘dip your toe’ in the water rather than plunge straight in? Then this could be for you.
I learnt a lot of ideas about how to help myself
Mindfulness has received huge attention in the media and seems to be becoming the go-to solution to help us live in the stressful and demanding 21st century world. Where does it come from? What’s it all about? Is it for you? This course will introduce you to this phenomenon and enable you to sample some accessible mindfulness techniques so you can make an informed choice about whether you feel mindfulness is a practice that might be helpful for you. Wednesday 18th and 25th January and 1st and 8th February 2017 11.00am - 1.00pm, St Johns Wood Cost: £45
To book any of our courses or events, please complete and return the form overleaf. To receive a full copy of our prospectus or for further information, please call Emma on 020 8458 2223 or email headroom@jamiuk.org. Visit www.jamiuk.org to find out more about Jami or to view the full prospectus online.
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Jami SUPPLEMENT
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Family Resilience Conference 19 March 2017 10.00am — 4.00pm North London location Cost* £35 for an individual £50 for a couple £5 for 14-18 year olds
Has family life entered a crisis in the 21st Century? Can we strengthen our family units to withstand the outside stresses and internal conflicts? Our families are under huge pressure to deliver the lifestyle our children see and hear about from social media, TV and magazines. Alongside consumerism, for our children there’s the added pressure of academic achievement, ‘looking right’ and conforming to social expectations. How’s our family wellbeing in the midst of this pressure and stress? Are you rock solid or do you feel like you’re being weighed down?
To book or find out more, email headroom@jamiuk.org or call Emma on 020 8458 2223
Come and hear from our expert speakers and special guests including Dr. Nikki Teper as seen on TV’s Born Naughty and Jonny Benjamin, campaigner and filmmaker. We have special places for teens aged 14 plus who will be working with Jonny in our youth stream at the conference.
* Concessions available
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Fees Information seminars and recovery course charges do not apply to individuals currently using Jami’s mental health support services (For more information about concessions available, please contact us)
Information seminars
Recovery courses
Mind and Body Spa
Self-paying individuals £20 Voluntary sector staff £20 Statutory sector staff £35 Mental Health First Aid: £55
Individuals not currently using our mental health support services pay £20 per 6 week course Sleep College £8
Stress, Bad Hair Days, and finding my Mojo: £60 Introduction to Mindfulness: £45
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