NG8 July/August 2020

“it’s ok not to be ok”
-introducing jonathan’s
voice
by Val McCartney Founder & Trustee
alzheimer’s society reaches
out to thousands
by Alzheimer’s Society
Jonathan’s Voice is a registered charity that
was established in 2017 in memory of Jonathan
McCartney who tragically and unexpectedly took
his own life in October of that year. He was 35.
Jonathan was a successful patent attorney. We were
shocked when we subsequently learnt how many
people each year die by suicide. In 2018 there were
6,507 suicides registered in the UK, an average of
18 each day and sadly more than in 2017. Suicide is
more prevalent in men than in woman and is the most
common cause of death in men aged 20 – 49.
We came to understand that Jonathan had been
struggling for a long time but felt unable to seek
professional help. He felt that he should be able to
manage on his own. Research studies consistently
show how reluctant many people are to discuss their
mental health, particularly with their employer. There
may be many reasons for this but one is certainly a
sense that there is a stigma around the topic.
One of the prime aims of Jonathan’s Voice is to
reduce that stigma associated with mental health
and to empower people to speak up and reach out
for help when they need it. The charity aims to raise
awareness of mental health issues in workplaces,
provide resources and support organizations to
develop good mental health practice. We also offer
bespoke presentations and talks to both companies
and community groups. For further information
visit www.jonathansvoice.org.uk or email val@
jonathansvoice.org
People affected by dementia in the East Midlands
are experiencing crippling loneliness and are
struggling to cope during lockdown, a survey by
Alzheimer’s Society reveals.
The charity is helping to alleviate the anxiety
many face by making thousands of ‘welfare calls’
to provide support and information. In the East
Midlands more than 6,000 calls have already been
made by staff and volunteers determined to reach out
to those in need.
Jean Eastwood (pictured above), of Nottingham, who
has Alzheimer’s and lives alone, said: “Because of
living on my own the lockdown has affected my daily
regime by restricting meetings, gatherings and my
volunteering activities.
“It has also affected my memory. I am forgetting to
turn off electrical items such as the grill, the oven and
the hot water switch in the last few days.”
Alzheimer’s Society is calling for people to sign up
and become a Dementia Friend. For more information
visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society’s funds have been badly hit by
the pandemic. Donations to their Emergency Appeal
can be made at alzheimers.org.uk/coronavirusappeal
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisers provide
emotional support and practical
information during this difficult time.
The Dementia Connect support line
(0333 150 3456) is open seven days
a week.
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