Jami launches first-of-its-kind suicide prevention programme
Jami has launched a landmark suicide prevention programme designed specifically for the Jewish community, built on three years of research, consultation and lived-experience insight.
This first tailored initiative of its kind aims to equip people with the confidence, skills and understanding needed to support someone experiencing thoughts of suicide, while recognising the cultural and emotional contexts that can make reaching out for help more difficult. The new programme also addresses ‘postvention’ – how to support people after the tragedy of a suspected suicide in the community.
Grounded in community need
The programme was developed in response to extensive conversations across the community, including input from service users, carers, those with lived experience and people bereaved by suicide. Initial focus groups with Barnet Council were expanded to include qualitative interviews with rabbis and other pastoral leaders. A dedicated advisory panel made up of individuals directly affected by suicidality has guided the work throughout.
These discussions revealed a clear need: while many people want to help, they often feel unsure how to respond if someone confides in them. Stigma, taboo and cultural narratives can also make it harder for some Jewish people to seek support. The programme responds by focusing on compassion, confidence and the importance of “holding space”, rather than relying on clinical checklists.
Shaped by expertise and lived experience
The content has been developed through community research and brought to life by a panel of community champions, who feature in a series of films created for the programme. Expert input and peer review has been provided by Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Stuart Linke, alongside a partnership with Middlesex University to design a baseline survey exploring attitudes and knowledge around suicide within participating communities.
A number of communities are already signed up to take part in the pilot programme, with further recruitment underway. Each participating community will complete a baseline survey and pre-programme questionnaire, followed by a half-day interactive session. Participants and wider community members will then be surveyed again to measure changes in awareness, confidence and attitudes.
Building confidence to support others
The programme will be delivered by Jami’s Senior Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention Manager, Philippa Carr, who led its development, alongside Emma Dorman, Senior Education Coordinator and CYP Education Lead.
It aims to help participants recognise when someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, feel confident having supportive and non-judgemental conversations, better understand cultural and personal barriers to seeking help, and strengthen pathways to further support. The programme also emphasises the importance of self-care when supporting others and promotes a message of realistic hope.
A long-term commitment to community resilience
For Jami, the launch marks both the culmination of three years’ work and the beginning of a long-term commitment to strengthening community resilience. Speaking about the programme, Philippa Carr said:
“Now the challenge is getting it out there and giving our community the tools, confidence and humanity to be there for one another when it matters most.”
Get involved in the research
Jami is inviting members of the community to contribute to ongoing research that will help shape the programme and wider services. The study, conducted in partnership with Middlesex University, includes a short, anonymous survey that has undergone a rigorous ethics process.
Every perspective is valuable, including from those without direct personal or professional experience of suicide.
For a link to the survey, please email education@jamiuk.org
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact:
The Samaritans (24/7) 116 123 (calls are free)
Or text SHOUT to 85258
In an emergency, call 999
