Tag: John Davidson

I SWEAR (over)reaction: Tourettes Action statement

We are incredibly proud of John and everyone involved in I Swear following last night’s BAFTA Awards. The film has already raised so much awareness about Tourette syndrome and the daily reality faced by those living with the condition. The impact it has had on audiences, families, and those within the Tourettes community is huge, and we could not be more grateful for the support the film continues to receive.

However, we also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt and we are deeply sorry to the Black community for the harm caused but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.

People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse, and feel great distress about afterwards. These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John – like many others with Tourette’s – lives with every single day.

The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding. What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony halfway through.

This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition.

People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis.

The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by suicide.

We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference.

Sarah Boyack leads Holyrood debate calling for more support for Tourette’s

Labour Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack has called for more support for those with Tourette’s as she led a debate in Holyrood on the subject on Thursday.

Ms Boyack used her speech to highlight the struggles her constituents, with Tourette’s, have faced in the education system and beyond as part of a wider campaign to ensure better awareness around the condition.

The debate came after Ms Boyack lodged a parliamentary motion calling for more Tourette’s support and training in the education system, at Holyrood.

The motion gained cross-party support from every major Holyrood party.

The debate was watched from the public gallery by people from the Tourette’s community.

As part of her speech, Ms Boyack highlighted the incredible barriers faced by children with Tourette’s in the education system, including a lack of support and understanding from schools.

She called for the Scottish Government to work with Tourette’s Scotland to establish a national plan, increase funding, support and awareness across education, health settings and the wider public.

The debate comes after the newly released film, I Swear, which follows the novel by the inspiring John Davidson,  a campaigner for Tourette’s awareness from the Borders which has exposed the issue to a wider audience.

Speaking after the debate, Ms Boyack commented: “I was honoured to lead this debate on such an important topic.

“Speaking to constituents and watching I Swear, I have heard about how much of a struggle Tourette’s can be.

“I hope this debate can help deliver the change we require to ensure Tourette’s is not a barrier to a quality life.

“The time for the Scottish Government to act is now – I am eager to work with Ministers and achieve the change we desperately need.”

Your Future, Your Police at Broughton High School

Lothian and Borders Police are holding an event in Broughton High School to find out what teenagers want from the police. Around 200 teenagers from a wide range of backgrounds will take part in the ‘Your Future, Your Police’ session at Broughton. Tourrettes sufferer John Davidson, who was the subject of an acclaimed documentary, is guest speaker at the event.

Using workshops and discussion groups, the 15-17-year-olds will be given the chance to give their views on how they think the police should interact with teenagers, and what relevance the new Police Service of Scotland will have to them. This is the fourth in a series of sessions to be held across the Lothian and Borders Force area.

John Davidson, subject of the 1989 QED documentary ‘John’s Not Mad,’ is guest speaker. He will talking about how having severe Tourette’s syndrome led to misunderstandings with the police in his teens, and how this was remedied through open and ongoing communication.

John in 1989

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen, said: “The best thing about this type of event is that it allows us to engage with our young people in a positive environment, and gives us the opportunity to listen to what they have to say. We will record their views and opinions of policing in the Lothian and Borders area and use them in shaping the future as we move forward to the Police Service of Scotland.”