Reform Judaism has appointed its first welfare officer dedicated to young people’s mental health issues.

The hiring of Mark Greenfield sets “a new precedent,” the movement said.

As part of the role, which has been established through funds from one individual donor, Mr Greenfield will advise Reform communities on mental health issues.

He said: “I am thrilled to be raising awareness of this vital area of wellbeing.

“I will be working closely with all of our communities to help increase capacity through training and researching their particular needs as well as getting stuck in to Israel tour and summer camp preparation and training”.

Mr Greenfield, who comes to Reform Judaism from JW3 where he has worked as head of community programming, starts his new job on April 24.

He was previously worked as a family support worker in Hackney.

Laura Janner-Klausner, senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism said: “The establishment of this new role takes us to a new level of inclusion and our duty to care and safeguarding.

“Mark is an exceptional person who brings both mental health expertise and a youth movement background.

“We feel blessed to have received this donation and to have such a fabulous person to implement our mental health strategy in partnership with our existing team.”