About Jeremy Thomas
Jeremy Thomas is an inspirational speaker focusing on good mental health.
After an inglorious start in the advertising industry, he joined Decca Records as a record plugger working with the likes of Jackie Wilson, Thin Lizzy, The Moody Blues and Judas Priest. Jeremy went on to successfully run record labels until episodes of undiagnosed manic depression nearly took him out of the business. Through perseverance, good medical help and support from others, he recovered and continued to work in the business until the mid-90s.
A ‘road to Damascus’ moment led Jeremy to change careers and become a writer. After a series of rejections, finally a Hollywood producer bought the rights to one of his stories. This enabled him to move to Patmos in Greece and write his first novel ‘Taking Leave’. The process of writing for several years, not only produced the book, but cemented Jeremy’s commitment to helping others suffering from mental ill health. Soon after, he re-connected with his friend Dr. Tony Hughes and they co-wrote ‘You Don’t Have to be Famous to have Manic Depression – the A-Z Guide to Good Mental Health’. Jeremy and Tony then co-produced the Emmy award winning documentary ‘Stephen Fry. The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive’.
From there Jeremy went on to write another three novels, notably The Santa Monica Suicide Club. He has also become established as a leading speaker on mental health to companies, professional organisations, the public sector, schools and colleges. To date he has delivered talks to some 25,000 people on a theme of How to Stay Sane in an Insane World – How to Stay Mentally Fit. He has also written articles for the Times, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph and has appeared on BBC Television and Radio.
The fundamentals of Jeremy’s talks and workshops are authenticity, humour and practical solutions. He is a firm believer in the concept that, in order to make an omelette, you have to break eggs.
By recounting his own story and unpacking a tool kit of coping strategies, Jeremy ably demonstrates that prevention really is better than cure.
The main aim of his work is to normalise the subject of mental health, replace any stigma with a sense of fun and make the subject accessible and something to be embraced.
- “I know this sounds so little, and not serious enough, but I believe that I have to have fun. We all have to have fun - me, the actors, the cameraman, everybody should feel as if we are making a home movie, because that is the only way to open the film to a certain kind of lightness. If everybody involved feels the seriousness, the heavy weight of money being stamped on movies, it somehow influences the result in a way which is anaesthetizing to life.”
Contact Us
For bookings or for more information…
Email: enquiries@jeremythomastalks.co.uk Tel: 01963 34029 Mob: 07884 027647
Jeremy Thomas Talks – Blue Baltic House – 22 Mill Street – Wincanton – Somerset BA9 9AP
For enquiries for Keynotes, webinars, films and workshops to schools, companies, conferences and public bodies please contact enquiries@jeremythomastalks.co.uk
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Below are useful websites for those affected by some of the mental health illnesses that will be discussed in the shows
Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA is a fellowship of men and women who help others to recover from alcoholism.
NHS Alcohol Support
Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first step to getting better, but it’s often the hardest one.
The British Association of Anger Management
Attending an Anger Management is the first step towards a healthier happier life.
Mind
Mind, the mental health charity, is here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.
Samaritans
Samaritans works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Meeting the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.
Charlie Waller Memorial Trust
One of the UK’s most respected mental health charities.
YoungMinds
However you’re feeling right now, things can get better.
Mental Health UK
Supporting people affected by mental health problems including friends, family and carers.