News & Events
Leeds Jewish Care Services
As today’s busy lifestyle presents all of us with daily challenges and demands, we can sometimes result in feeling over pressurised to fulfil our general needs. Consequently, without even realising, we can suffer some form of mental distress. At times like this, therefore, we are all in need of support and advice. Sometimes, we do not wish to burden our friends and families and more importantly, we wish to keep our private lives and problems, just that, CONFIDENTIAL.
The Leeds Jewish Care Services has therefore developed its own highly successful confidential service, to help those with such problems. NESHAMA is designed to help people re-establish control of their own lives, enabling them to make their own choices and ultimately recover their own independence.
NESHAMA is a Hebrew word, which means ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’. Jewish thought implies each of us as individuals has the power to shape and determine our own NESHAMA. This is reflected in our service’s aim to empower our users to regain their independence and therefore have wider choices to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
NESHAMA is managed by Janine Field and supported by a fully qualified Social Work team. Each worker works individually with service users to offer a comprehensive package of care and support. We assist by accessing the necessary health and social care services that are provided throughout the city, in order to promote and aid recovery.
To witness and experience mental distress within the family setting can be very stressful for all those concerned. Therefore, NESHAMA has developed a Carer’s Support Group which enables carer’s to meet informally on a regular basis. Carer’s provide emotional and social support to one another. This is a forum where carers can discuss their own issues and problems with people who share similar experiences. Jim Caswell facilitates this group and has been successful in applying for grants for such requests as holidays for respite.
We also offer a free, confidential Counselling Service for those people who are going through difficult or distressing times. This is culturally sensitive to the community’s needs. Individuals who have previously used our service, have informed us afterwards that feel they have achieved many personal and mental health benefits. They report increased self awareness and improved mental health by reducing anxiety and depression by increasing their self- confidence and ultimately, their ability to cope. To access this service, please contact Ruby Bharaj on Tel: 2684211.
Neshama is currently offering free Art Therapy sessions. Art Therapy is a form of therapy using drawing, painting and a variety of art materials, to describe and work through feelings that seem difficult to talk about. It can be a different way of expressing thoughts and emotions in a confidential, non judgemental setting with a therapist. You don’t have to be good at art to do art therapy and previous experience in art isn’t necessary, only a willingness to use art materials and to explore your feelings. If you think art therapy might be helpful and are interested in either individual or group sessions, then please contact Janine Field on Tel: 2684211.
In addition to these services, NESHAMA works together with the Leeds Jewish Housing Association. Stonecourt is a Jewish supported housing project, which offers the facility of 12 independent flats to individuals, who have mental health care needs. The service encourages independent living whilst offering support and a 24 hour ‘on call’ service which hopefully adds to the security and reassurance that is sometimes needed. Tenants can share in communal Sabbath and Festival evening meals, day trips, events and a regular Sunday brunch.
We also offer Outreach floating Support to individuals in their own homes, who may need help to maintain an independent lifestyle. This service includes practical and emotional support when necessary and appropriate by regular visits to individual’s homes, monitoring their well being and helping to accessing relevant services for their care. This has proven to be a highly successful and beneficial service which we hope to expand further in the future.
The NESHAMA service is here to help Jewish people between the ages of 16-60 who require support with any mental health problem.
If you would like to access our service or require any further information then please contact Janine Field, on Tel 0113 2684211. You could also write, email or drop into the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Community Centre and speak with one of the team. Remember, this is a fully confidential, free service by a fully qualified Social Work and Housing Support Team.
For further information about this and other services please contact us on 0113 268 4211 or email janine.field@ljwb.co.uk