Statement following the death of Professor Jason Arday

Statement following the death of Professor Jason Arday from Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance and London Arts and Health.

We want to express our sorrow about the death of Jason Arday last week. We know many people are struggling to process what happened, including the events leading up to his death, and what this says about how we care for each other in our society. You can find below some resources and organisations who may be able to offer support. If any members would like to discuss how this relates to their work, we are here to support you – please contact us via our usual email addresses, but please bear in mind that we are small organisations, and may not be able to respond immediately.

• info@culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk 
• info@londonartsandhealth.org.uk

Professor Sir Patrick Vernon OBE who spoke at Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2026, as part of our Advocates for Representation in Creative Health event has created a Go Fund Me donation page to support the family of Jason. You can show your support and donate here.

A vigil for Jason will take place Monday 17th August, from 6pm at Trafalgar Square, London.

Hear Jason in his own words: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZN88cysN9/

Organising and Supporting

• Stand up to Racism: https://standuptoracism.org.uk/ 
• Everyday Racism: https://www.everydayracism.co.uk/
• The Black Curriculum: https://theblackcurriculum.com/
• The Good Law Project: https://goodlawproject.org/petition/jason-arday-letter/ 
• Newcord: write a complaint to IPSO and sign your name: https://newscord.org/action/jason-arday-pile-on 

Mental Health Support

If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now. If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111.  

• Mind. Mind has a specific collection of resources focused on racism and mental health. 
• Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
• SANEline. If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call the national out-of-hours support service SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 587 0800 or 0800 689 5652.
• National Autistic Society offer an Urgent Help service: https://www.autism.org.uk/contact-us/urgent-help