Jack Moffat claims James's Place saved his life during his battle with disability
- Jack Moffat has known since childhood that he would lose his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa.
- His mental health significantly declined as his sight worsened, leading to a suicidal crisis.
- Moffat credits the charity James' Place with saving his life and helping him reconnect with his family.
In Newcastle, England, Jack Moffat, a 31-year-old charity manager, has been coping with gradual sight loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa since he was 12 years old. As his condition progressed, he faced increasing challenges to his mental health, ultimately triggering a suicidal crisis following a family breakdown. Moffat struggled with self-worth, feeling like an 'inferior half man' and even contemplated whether his four-year-old son would be better off without him. His despair was exacerbated by the uncertainty of when complete blindness would occur, which he believed would be between five and ten years from now. Desperate for help, Moffat reached out to James' Place, a charity that offers free counseling services for men in suicidal crisis. Since its opening in January 2024, the Newcastle center has reportedly saved the lives of 383 men. Moffat found the inviting atmosphere of the center welcoming, in contrast to his prior experiences with therapists who exhibited fear in navigating his condition. Upon connecting with Sue, his therapist, Moffat felt a unique bond that made his counseling experience transformative. He remarked that without Sue’s support, he would likely not be alive to provide for his family. After completing his sessions, Moffat shared his experiences on social media, surprising his family with the revelation of his struggles. He emphasized the importance of discussing mental health openly, especially for men who often feel pressure to conceal their vulnerabilities. Moffat's story not only sheds light on his personal journey but also highlights the critical role of support services like James' Place in addressing mental health crises among men. Ultimately, Moffat's experiences underscore the necessity of accessible and empathetic mental health support, particularly for those grappling with disabilities that may diminish their self-esteem and emotional resilience. His assertion that the center saved his life reveals the profound impact that appropriate mental health care can have on individuals facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.