Jonathan’s Voice is delighted to learn that Lou Rudkin, the Institute of Mental Health’s Head of Communications has been awarded the University of Nottingham Institute of Policy and Engagement’s 2019 Keystone Award.
Congratulations Lou and thanks to NFCT and the Institute of Mental Health for the amazing work that the partnership has achieved.
Shortly after Jonathan’s death, David McCartney approached Nottingham Forest Football Club to help publicize the importance of speaking up for mental health. The club had previously been approached by another family whose son, also a Forest supporter, had died by suicide. Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT) embraced this project with enthusiasm, understanding and financial commitment. The “It’s Tricky to Talk” campaign evolved.
Nottingham Forest Community Trust engaged with the Institute of Mental Health (IoMH) at Nottingham University. Lou worked with Dr Tim Carter to enable his research on mental health and exercise to be used to create the mental health awareness campaign for Nottingham Forest fans. The campaign has been a huge success and in a short period of time transformed the club’s approach to mental health awareness and has seen several new initiatives set up to help support fans and their mental health.