JTeen, dedicated to supporting Jewish youth, has been shortlisted for Helpline of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Helpline Awards.

Hosted by Helplines Partnership, this recognition underscores JTeen's impact in providing emotional support to teens through the dedication of its team of volunteers, therapists, safeguarding leads, and supervisors.

Founded in 2021, JTeen offers a confidential, anonymous helpline to Jewish youth aged between 11 and 24, providing emotional assistance via phone, text and WhatsApp.

Yaakov Barr, CEO of JTeen, expressed his pride at the nomination, saying: “It’s an honour to be recognized alongside other inspiring organisations…This acknowledgment is a testament to our team’s relentless dedication to fostering mental wellbeing and providing essential support that empowers teens to navigate their challenges.”

Under the leadership of psychotherapist and clinical supervisor Barr, JTeen has rapidly grown to become a resource for Jewish teens across the UK, offering a safe space for young people to reach out with their challenges, whether related to mental health, friendships, or other personal struggles.

Yaakov Barr, founder and CEO of JTeen (Photo: JTeen)

“Our helpline is designed to meet young people where they are, offering them the support they need, without stigma or shame,” Barr explained in a previous interview with the JC.

In addition to its work supporting teens, JTeen has become a key advocate for improving sleep habits among Jewish teenagers. Barr has raised concerns about the “chronic lack of sleep” among teens due to late-night device usage, urging parents to “create an expectation that phones get handed in before they go to bed”.

JTeen also actively works with schools to educate students on wellbeing, resilience, and finding balance in their lives, particularly when it comes to healthy engagement with social media.

The winner, which will be announced on November 7, will be a helpline which “has demonstrated commitment to best practices, dedication to service users, well-organised internal teams and processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement”, according to Helplines Partnership.

JTeen:

Textline Number: 07860 058 823

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 6pm – midnight
Sat (in winter): 9pm – midnight

https://jteen.co.uk/ or click here