The Judi Meadows Memorial Fund has been established by Judi’s family in her memory to help save lives which are threatened by suicide.
The Fund sets out to achieve this by:
- Raising funds
- Promoting and carrying out research
- Building awareness and sharing information
- Improving policy and practice
- Providing support to those affected by depression and their families and friends
The Fund will work in a highly collaborative manner with existing mental health charities, academics and campaigning individuals in order to increase our understanding and management of people with mental health problems and factors that heighten suicide risk.
Our intention is to focus on supporting research on potential risk factors of suicide that are currently less well known. Once an evidence base has been determined we will build awareness amongst health professionals and the general public in order to influence policy and practice.
Specific Projects
As a small organisation with limited funds we will be working in a highly targeted manner to ensure a meaningful and measurable impact from the activity we undertake. We are particularly keen to identify activity that would not have taken place without our support and that with our backing will help act as a catalyst.
Over recent months the Fund has met with a wide range of highly regarded mental health professionals across the fields of academia, medical practice and the civil service in order to determine where we can make the greatest impact. We welcome suggestions where it is felt that a significant impact could be made with our support. We are particularly keen to work with organisations/individuals who believe they will be able to use their findings to create changes in policy and practice thereby improving the lives of the greatest number of people.
These conversations, along with our own thoughts, have identified the following key questions:
- Does the menopause present a heightened risk for developing depression?
- Can depression trigger tinnitus?
- Can anti-depressants trigger tinnitus?
- What is an effective treatment for people with depression and tinnitus?
- Do GPs have the knowledge, skills, confidence and tools to identify people at risk of suicide?
- How can people with cyclical depression be effectively managed – during periods of wellness as well as illness?
- How can suicide be better prevented?
We therefore believe that the following types of research may be useful:
- Review of the GP Research Framework Database (GPRF database) to explore the relationship between depression and tinnitus and the outcomes for patients of dual conditions
- Explore the knowledge and practice of assessing suicide risk in primary care (GPs).
- A qualitative study of the experiences of people living with depression and tinnitus.
- A qualitative study amongst the family and friends of people who have taken their own lives to determine personal assessments of causality
This list is non-exhaustive and does not preclude other topics which may be identified by professionals. We await with interest the submissions to our research specification The deadline for applications is 31 July 2010 and we will be awarding funds to the successful research team in August 2010.
Terms of reference
- The Fund is not-for-profit and its Founders will be acting in a voluntary capacity.
- 100% of donations provided will be channelled to identified organisations and individuals.
- The Fund will be seeking to add value, not replicate the work that is already taking place.
- The Fund will establish strategic alliances with relevant partners across mental health and other health charities, the Department of Health, Primary Care Trusts, professional associations such as the Royal Colleges and key individuals.
Charitable status
The Judi Meadows Memorial Fund is a restricted fund of the McPin Foundation. In October 2009 we decided to join with an existing charity, rather than establishing our own, in order to benefit from the structures, processes and charity management experience of an existing organisation. The McPin Foundation strongly complements our Fund as they exist to provide grants to improve mental well-being. Our supporters therefore receive the peace of mind that comes with formal Charity Commission registration whilst knowing that we will continue to be a dedicated focused team intent on achieving our mission. The McPin Foundation will also bring important additional professional skills and contacts. By working together we believe we are better able to achieve our objectives and ultimately help more people whose lives are threatened by suicide.
We maintain the identity of the JMMF and keep control of the application of JMMF donations and funds.
We initially established the Judi Meadows Memorial Fund for a period of one year. Given our fundraising success, and that we are now in a position to fund a significant piece(s) of research the Fund’s work will be ongoing.
Timetable
The Fund has been established for an initial period of one year. By June 2010, a decision will be taken by the Founders regarding the future ambitions and growth of the fund.
Further details available from Roger or Amy Meadows by e-mailing: info@judimeadows.com