A charity providing emotional and therapeutic support to adolescent girls in London’s Orthodox Jewish communities has raised over £1.5 million from an online fundraising campaign.

More than 6,000 people backed the appeal for Golders Green-based Noa Girls, enabling the charity to smash its original £1 million target. The biggest single contribution was £25,000.

“Donations went way beyond what we imagined,” said Noa’s founder and CEO, Naomi Lerer.

“It was really exceptional to watch and we were all really overwhelmed.”

But welcome though the proceeds were, the campaign was also about “initiating a conversation about mental health challenges and breaking down stigmas so that girls who feel alone can feel understood”.

One 16-year-old supported by Noa said that when the appeal total reached £1 million, “my heart was bursting. To see this incredible community support really made me feel supported. It was so beautiful to watch.”

Established in 2009, Noa has almost doubled in size over the past 18 months. Its current staff team of 40 staff provides a range of confidential assistance to some 250 girls and young women in Orthodox communities across London.

Issues dealt with include mental health, eating disorders and suicidal ideation. The pandemic has brought a particular rise in cases related to eating disorders and social anxiety.

The age range of clients is 12-24. Those helped remain with the charity for an average of three years and can choose from activities including art, music and fitness therapy. Noa also provides housing and vocational support.

“Our work is very much life-saving and life-changing,” Mrs Lerer said. “It’s not just about saving the girls; it’s about making them well again, enabling them to lead happy, healthy and productive lives.

“We have seen time and time again that the support we provide helps adolescent girls go from surviving to coping — and then to thriving.”

The resounding success of the digital appeal will allow Noa to increase its capacity, a welcome development given that there are 46 girls on its waiting list.

The publicity generated by the fundraiser is expected to increase both referrals and direct approaches for help. There have already been over a dozen new referrals.

Referrals to the charity can come via social services, schools or community leaders, but the subject’s consent is needed for Noa to become involved.

“We are committed to keep growing until all demand is met,” Mrs Lerer declared.