The theme this year is “Changing the Narrative” – start the conversation”. Jonathan’s Voice wholeheartedly supports this message, especially within high-pressure environments like the Intellectual Property (IP) profession, where emotional distress can often go unnoticed
In 2017 Jonathan’s Voice was founded in memory of Jonathan McCartney, a patent attorney who tragically took his own life. He was 35. Our family and countless other families, friends and colleagues have experienced the deep pain of a person close to them dying by suicide. In that moment, life changes. In England in 2023 (the most recent year for which data is available) 5656 suicides were registered, an increase of 372 on the previous year. This is an average of 15 people each day losing their lives to suicide (Latest-suicide-data The Samaritans UK)
Jonathan’s Voice is dedicated to reducing mental health stigma that can prevent individuals speaking about their mental health and wellbeing and empowering them to seek help when they are struggling. One of its other objectives is to support research into the factors that are implicated in men taking their lives so that in understanding the possible reasons the rate of suicide might be reduced. The male suicide rate is approximately three times that of women. Read more about the research of Dr Susie Bennett in this area (part funded by Jonathan’s Voice). View the guides here.
Or take a look at Susie’s Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/
Join our webinar
On Monday September 8th 12.30 – 1.30, Jonathan’s Voice will be partnering with IP Inclusive IP Inclusive to host a webinar titled “Changing the Narrative: Responding to Distress in High-Pressure Professions”. This webinar will delve into why individuals in such settings may remain silent about suicidal distress and equip participants to create supportive workplaces where open conversations and seeking help are encouraged. It emphasises that speaking openly and compassionately about suicide can reduce risk and foster hope.
Read more, sign up and join us https://ipinclusive.org.uk/events/changing-the-narrative-responding-to-distress-in-high-pressure-professions/
This event is free, but please consider a donation to Jonathan’s Voice. You can donate securely by visiting our JustGiving page or donate to IP Inclusive when you book a ticket.
Val McCartney
Trustee and co-founder Jonathan’s Voice
