Jason Thompson
Zach Melton
Jay has been a huge part of the town for the whole of his life. He touched many people with his sense of humour, his ability to light up the room and would help anyone. Zach, being Jay’s son, had struggled with accessing the vital support he needed and now tragically, due to this same lack of support, they have both lost their lives.
Jay’s partner, Cath Hugill and his Sister, Karen Black, are both campaigning to get this lack of support highlighted and changed within Durham County Council and the Government. They recently met with MP, Paul Howell and his Campaign Manager Rachel Mills, who are in full support of the changes needed.
In a recent interview with the Northern Echo, Cath and Karen said “we are being encouraged to speak out – but why, when drastic changes need to be made to our mental health system? There are too many people losing their lives unnecessarily, which destroys not only lives, but families and communities”.
The north east, Newton Aycliffe included, is struggling with far too many people who suffer with mental health issues and subsequently taking their own lives. There are reviews published online, promising action such as early intervention programmes and more support in areas where it’s needed. These reviews go back years and yet nothing is changing.
There is no clarity over the route needed in order to access these vital services; an individual must also consent to having support and there are no checks and balances to ensure the individual is in the right place to refuse support. A conversation with a family member could be the difference between our loved ones accessing these services before it’s too late.
The family have asked for as many people as possible to support the petition. Please also consider contacting your own MP. Please help us to make a change:
A local support group has also been formed in the town called ‘In This Together’, they hold regular events and share useful tips on how to cope and also where to get help.
For more information follow our page on Facebook, search inthistogetherne
