More than 100 members of the community came together at Head Room, Jami’s social enterprise café, supported by The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, to celebrate the second night of Chanukah and honour the life of Elliot Simmons, who generously supported the café and Jami’s community hub in Finchley.
Members of Head Room’s community programme, which runs free daily groups and activities for anyone in the community looking for mental health support, were among the guests who enjoyed Chanukah candle lighting, a cosy corner, doughnuts and latkes, an arts and crafts table, and live music from Head Room’s own community members, Shira and Jonathan.
Daniel Carmel-Brown, Chief Executive of Jewish Care, which Jami is a part of, welcomed Jami service users and thanked long-standing friends, volunteers and supporters of Jami and Jewish Care for all their support. During his welcome speech, the CEO also asked that guests take a moment to reflect on the lives of those Jewish people who were sadly lost in Sydney. He said, “I came across one quote that sums up, I think, how many of us are feeling today. It says, ‘We are threads in the same tapestry. When one thread pulls, we all feel it.’ For me, what that represents is the fact that as a Jewish community, we are all interdependent on one another. And so, when we watch the events unfold, as we have seen in various places around the world – in Manchester on Yom Kippur and very sadly yesterday in Australia – it feels like the thread is being pulled for all of us.” Daniel also acknowledged the volunteers and staff who make what happens at Head Room possible, saying, “I know that this place has transformed many people’s lives.”
Jonathan Prevezer, a trustee of the Elliott Simmons Charitable Trust, spoke before helping to light the Chanukah candles. “Elliot himself had health issues and was a really lovely man,” he said. “Head Room is the sort of place he would have loved to have come to and spend time at. The trustees are so pleased that we could help with the refurbishment of Head Room. It’s a fantastic place.”
Head Room community member Jonathan, who played keyboard throughout the evening, regularly attends the café’s Community Conversations session, Sunday Games Group and Community Walking Group, as well as its monthly Music Group and Open Mic Night. He explained, “When I had nothing to do, Jami gave me somewhere to go. Head Room has given me a chance to play again and revived my passion for music. Attending the café’s Open Mic Night has also given me a lot of encouragement.” Meanwhile, Sam, who was busy at the arts and crafts table, and is a regular visitor to Head Room, said, “I come to Coffee & Connect every week, the Sunday Games Group, and have also been to Community Conversations. Head Room is very welcoming and relaxing. It’s lovely to be able to talk to people and mix with others. I also enjoy chatting with the café’s volunteer community befrienders. Coming here today has been a nice way to celebrate Chanukah as I wouldn’t have done it on my own.”
During his lifetime, Elliott Simmons expressed his desire to contribute to charities supporting people impacted by mental illness, having endured significant mental health difficulties throughout his life.
If you would like to find out more about Head Room and its groups and activities, visit Head Room Café – More than a cafe, a place to connect. to find out what’s on.
