Award for mental health activist
JEWISH CARE’S annual Topland lunch broke new ground this year, with the event focusing on mental health issues for the first time.
Jonny Benjamin, mental health campaigner and author, received the 2016 Topland award at Wednesday’s lunch, while £250,000 was raised to support Jack Gardner House and the Sidney Corob Home, both of which provide residential care services for people living with mental health needs.
Mr Benjamin spoke movingly about his experiences, in front of a crowd of 700 at the Grosvenor H o u s e Hotel in central London. Diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder, in January 2008 he stood on Waterloo Bridge attempting to commit suicide, when an intervention from a passing pedestrian helped change his mind. His 2014 campaign to find his rescuer gained international attention, and ended with the successful location of Neil Laybourn. Mr Laybourn was in attendance at the lunch, as were Mr Benjamin’s parents. “I looked at the list of previous winners,” said Mr Benjamin. “And to be given an award alongside them — people like Sir Nicholas Winton — is such an honour.” H e a l s o p r a i s e d t h e strides made in recent years: “In 2016, things are changing. I’ve done a lot of things in the past year — going into synagogues and giving sermons, going into Jewish schools — that wouldn’t have happened five or 10 years ago.
“It feels like the tide is turning but there’s so much work still to do. After overcoming my own struggles, I want to do everything I can to help others, and receiving this award makes me even more determined to achieve this.”
Sol Zakay, CEO of the Topland Group, told the diners: “I am delighted to be giving this award to Jonny. His story has really touched my heart. His work to break down barriers and educate others, particularly young people, about mental illness is incredibly important. He has achieved so much in the last few years.”
Nick Robinson, a presenter on the BBC’s programme, entertained the audience with anecdotes from his career, but ended his speech with a plea, saying: “Uncertain times are not good for organisations like Jewish Care. We here are all lucky to be able to give money but the biggest thing we can give is of ourselves, so please do it”