JAY THOMPSON

ay is a mental health professional who has joined the TOUGH TO TALK team as a volunteer to offer support and guidance as part of a placement module for an MSc in Psychology that he is currently undertaking.

Jay brings a wealth of experience as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Mental Health Nurse, having worked across a diverse range of services within the NHS, private and third sector. Currently, he is working in a Substance Use Service in Scotland.

Outside of work, Jay is a keen mountaineer and sea kayaker. He finds that spending time outside, exploring nature, and undertaking physically challenging activities is an excellent way to manage the stresses and demands of life

Why TOUGH TO TALK?

Opening up, talking, being vulnerable, expressing how we feel, and having a good chat. Call it what you will, but many of us, including myself, struggle to do it. Sometimes, it’s just so hard to get things off our chests or say it how it is. Often, we simply aren’t taught or role-modelled how to do this. This can lead to isolation, loneliness and sometimes thoughts of wishing you weren’t here anymore. Having been bereaved by suicide myself, I’ve been on a mission to give people the skills and confidence to have a lifesaving conversation about suicide.

I’m joining TOUGH TO TALK to continue this work and contribute to this excellent project.