Film tackling mental health in Orthodox Jewish community premieres

A new film tackling mental health in the Orthodox Jewish community which was filmed in the borough has premiered in Manchester.

Breaking the Silence addresses mental health and suicide within the Orthodox Jewish community and was screened on Tuesday, June 10 at Shrubberies Shul.

It was developed by Jewish Action for Mental Health in partnership with EVSATE and filmed in the Jewish areas of Prestwich and Salford.

Eli Hassell, producer of the film, said: “This week, EVSATE proudly launched our long-awaited film on mental health and suicide awareness within the Orthodox Jewish community.

“The film, which has been several years in the making, was unveiled at a special event in Manchester attended by over 150 people.

“The evening was a tremendous success, and we’re incredibly grateful to JAMH for partnering with us on the event to make it happen.”

Left to right: Mat Johns, film director; Danny Hetherington, lead actor; Eli Hassell, producer and Jonny Wineberg, Trustee of JAMH (Image: Jewish Action for Mental Health)

The event attracted mental health professionals, community leaders, and supporters.

It opened with remarks from Ivan Lewis, followed by a recorded message from the Chief Rabbi and two panel discussions chaired by JAMH trustee Jonny Wineberg.

The first panel featured Mr Hassell, director Mat Johns, and lead actor Danny Hetherington, who spoke about the filmmaking process.

The second panel brought together mental health experts, including Dr Sandi Mann, chair of JAMH, Professor Tony Warne, chair of Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, Melech Dovid Kanter of Pathways and a representative from Menucha V’Simcha, a support network for people bereaved by suicide.

Dr Mann said: “It was such an honour to host the premiere of this thought-provoking film.

“It truly raised awareness of mental health issues and it was a privilege to hear from the actors and producers involved as well as mental health professionals within and outside the community.”

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Prof Warne praised the film for its approach to the topic, emphasising the importance of language and relationships in mental health care.

He said: “I felt that the film was excellent.

“It captured and conveyed the importance of relationships and the use of language.

“For example, the character of the Rabbi was very skilled in asking open questions.”

The event attracted mental health professionals, community leaders, and supporters (Image: Jewish Action for Mental Health) He also spoke about the challenges facing mental health services.

Prof Warne added: “There is a reduction in overall funding for mental healthcare, but we are not giving up.

“One of the things we are doing is reducing the amount of inpatients who get sent out of the area for treatment, so that money can be used in developing community and neighbourhood mental services.

“This will, of course, provide better care for our service users and their families.

“The two mental health trusts in Greater Manchester will use this money (in the form of an integrated fund) to work towards improving community mental health services.”

Rabbi Aron Litwin, director of Mekimi, said : “Last night was absolutely incredible.

“I came away inspired.

“It was respectful to all sectors of the community and done with compassion and professionalism.

“I was blown away.”

The premiere forms part of ongoing efforts to address mental health stigma and support those affected within the Orthodox Jewish community.

Further information about JAMH events or requests to re-watch the film can be made by emailing [email protected].