Mental health challenges have been on the rise globally in recent times – and Jewish communities have been particularly impacted in the wake of the horror of October 7th and the subsequent rise in antisemitism.
Coupled with other issues of wellness (physical health, financial stability, and so on), a need has been identified within our community to provide support. The result? The establishment of a new communal project focused on addressing community wellness needs.
“After much research and consultation, we’ve established JEWELL – Cape Town’s Jewish Wellness Space. Essentially, it is focusing on a proactive and co-ordinated approach to Community Wellbeing in the Cape Town Jewish Community,” explains the founder, Natalie Barnett, who has worked in a voluntary capacity within the community for many years. “Ultimately, the goal is to promote resilience and wellbeing in the community. We have begun by growing a centralised Network of wellbeing organisations and private practitioners in the community; building a community of practice with these entities; promoting their wellness events on social media; and will be offering talks, workshops, webinars, support groups, and events, in response to individual and family wellness needs.”
At a recent roundtable event, supported by the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, that targeted lay leaders and professional staff from various community organisations, some of the community needs highlighted and discussed were:
- Emotional resilience and psychological safety
- Youth and young adult mental health
- Parenting and family support
- Inclusion, belonging and providing space for diverse voices
- Financial and practical wellbeing
- End-of-life and communal care gaps.
It was clear that our community has a strong sense of unity and connection, and that people want to be involved in collaborative approaches to solving issues, and JEWELL is committed to facilitating communal stewardship. “If we align wisely, we strengthen not only wellbeing, but continuity,” comments Natalie.
The JEWELL Network already showcases 15 community organisations and over 55 private practitioners in various fields of health and wellbeing, and it continues to expand. Members of the community who need assistance are able to access the directory to identify a suitable provider. We encourage all community members to sign onto the website for access to the Network and Events Calendar, as well as Instagram and Facebook. And if you’re a practitioner, please be in contact so you too can be added to the Network.
All links to join are available on the website http://www.jewellness.org or you can contact info@jewellness.org for more information. Scanning the QR codes on the banner below will also grant you easy access.
JEWELL http://www.jewellness.org Email: info@jewellness.org
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