It was a great pleasure to invite Jess Green to talk about her incredible work for JAMI as well as learning about the organisation and how it has developed over a number of years.
Jess’s roots were shaped in Kenton with a strong sense of community as the daughter of Kenton Shul stalwarts Paul and Judith Littman. From early roles in pharmacies and the fast pace of Selfridges, to bringing order to office administration, her career path was varied but leading somewhere purposeful. This revealed itself in counselling not an abstract theory but about listening being heard and using lived experience to support others navigating challenges. Her work with JAMI reflects that commitment to mental health, neurodiversity, downs syndrome, autism, suicide prevention and peer led support.
Jess’s inspirational work with JAMI and the knowledge of what the organisation offers was most moving. Describing different clients’ scenarios, looking at how to have the patience and understanding to improve young people or adults’ mental health issues with a strategic, practical and emotional support. The art of managing low self esteem and confidence with counselling, and peer support along with the chance to have vocational opportunities is vital. Not only for young people but for older people having a family system in place to support the person is essential.
There are opportunities for group creative sessions, online and in person. Jess talked about the Covid period when everything was done online and in a time of great uncertainty.
The organisation has grown considerably to meet the needs of the community and has between seventy and eighty staff. There are well over two hundred and eighty volunteers who support JAMI’s Community hubs, and Outreach, the Head Room Café, befriending, hospital visits, education and training with bespoke recovery support plans. It is separate from Jewish Care but is under the umbrella of the organisation. It was a welcome opportunity to have a look at an organisation that one has heard about, but it was important to have the depth of knowledge.
Following Jess’s talk there was an excellent question and answer session followed by delicious refreshments.