Nefesh U.K., part of the International Network of Orthodox
Mental Health Professionals, was launched in February of this
year following extensive national consultation with leading
rabbonim and dayanim.
Nefesh U.K. aspires to advance the understanding and
treatment of mental health issues within the Orthodox Jewish
community.
Rabbi Jonathan Dove, who recently graduated with a Masters
Degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling, piloted the
establishment of this needed and worthwhile organization.
The first Nefesh U.K. event featured Rabbi Shimon Russell,
originally from England and currently from Lakewood USA, and
included a series of presentations in both London and
Manchester. Rabbi Russell is a noted Family Therapist and a
much-sought-after lecturer on topics dealing with the family
and community.
On Wednesday 16 June, a talk was organized for educators
focusing on primary school issues entitled: "Children at
Risk: Preventing Teenage Dropouts." The speaker was
introduced by Rav Shimon Winegarten, who emphasized the need
for our community to respond effectively to these
challenges.
A second talk on the same topic was held on Thursday 17 June
in Manchester. This was organized by Rabbi Moshe Stamler and
was aimed at a broad spectrum of educators ranging from
primary school level through to yeshiva and seminary.
Rav Yehuda Marmorstein introduced the speaker and echoed the
sentiments of Rav Winegarten.
These talks were attended by over 150 participants and were
enthusiastically received.
In their written comments following the presentation,
participants described the talks as "excellent," "useful" and
"enlightening" and made calls for more talks of a similar
nature and in particular workshops to be arranged at various
schools.
Although the topic was a sobering one, the opportunity to
confront the issues and learn from productive precedents was
welcomed by all.
On Sunday 20 June a talk was held in London on the topic of,
"The Foundation of Good Parenting: How to achieve cooperation
and good discipline without raising your voice."
Rav Chaim Halpern introduced the speaker and emphasized the
need for acquiring skills, given the profound positive effect
good parenting can have on children.
This event attracted some 250 participants who were
interested to hear some practical and down-to-earth tips on
dealing with younger children. There was great interest in
the possibility of a further talk on dealing with teenagers
and adolescents.
Planning for further events has already commenced with the
fervent hope that the results will prove to be as positive
and beneficial for the community as this past event.
