Jonathan Foster, trainee patent attorney at Appleyard Lees, is raising awareness of and working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness.
In association with the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and Jonathan’s Voice, an organisation set up in 2017 in memory of successful patent attorney Jonathan McCartney, who tragically took his own life that year, is devoted to reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and empower people to speak up and reach out for help when they need it.
Foster has been appointed to the position of CIPA welfare officer, a role that sees him undertake mental health awareness training to become a mental health first aider and offer resources, raise awareness and provide a point of support for trainee attorneys.
Foster added: “I’ll also be working closely with Jonathan’s Voice, as well as building relationships with other charities such as the Charlie Waller Trust and Unmasked Mental Health.”
“Being able to play a small part in the work that Jonathan’s Voice do is something I’m extremely proud of, and something I hope I can continue to do throughout my career.”
Appleyard Lees applauds Foster’s work. Dick Waddington, managing partner of the firm, said: “Jonathan is an example to us all, giving his time to a cause that he believes in to support the trainee and qualified patent attorney communities. We are all very proud of this important work Jonathan is doing.”
Appleyard Lees also provides resources to its people to look after their mental health, including the support of trained mental first aiders and awareness training sessions from charity Unmasked.
