Who Are The Distant Voices?

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Nikki Kenward and her husband Merv established THE DISTANT VOICES in the summer of 2009. Nikki is a conceptual artist, while Merv is a community worker and now serves as a full-time caregiver for Nikki

The aim of the group was to bring together able-bodied and disabled young people in an integrated setting and to challenge the sometimes negative attitudes toward what people with differences can achieve. We worked through the arts and actively campaigned to ensure our voices were heard. We believe that a "high tide" should raise all ships, and that the separation created by an apartheid-like mindset only serves to foster abuse.                     

Sadly, we are also aware that disabled individuals are at risk of experiencing abuse and may die unnecessarily if they become ill. The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) was often misused to end their lives, and depriving people of fluids guarantees death.

You can learn more about this issue in the MENCAP report titled "Death by Indifference." It is crucial for us to ensure everyone's safety. This report unequivocally demonstrated that euthanasia was, and continues to be, a reality.

Historically, as seen in Germany in the 1930s, disabled individuals were the first to be targeted for extermination. They were labeled as "useless mouths," and over 250,000 disabled people were exploited as guinea pigs by the Nazis.

The existence of THE DISTANT VOICES was significant, as Nikki, a disabled person, created and led the group, ensuring that everyone's perspectives were represented. 

The group ran for ten years and concluded only when Covid-19 prevented us from meeting. By that time, many members had grown into adulthood, with their own children and futures to look forward to. We miss them and are proud of their ongoing achievements.

Dignity in Dying has adopted the notion that 'assisted suicide' represents a choice in death. We disagree with that perspective. While it may sound appealing, the reality is different. Here’s the truth: when assisted suicide is legalized, the cost of providing high-quality medical care at the end of life increases. Caring for someone at the end of life is expensive; it is often much cheaper to end their life prematurely. 

If this sounds alarmist and you believe it could never happen, we encourage you to look at examples from 'Other Countries.' 

We want genuine choice—the choice to live until you naturally die. We believe in living with dignity by ensuring that everyone receives care, regardless of the expense. Everyone deserves the human dignity of not feeling like a burden due to being sick, old, or disabled. We want patients to be empowered to choose what their care looks like. 

Make no mistake, Dignity in Dying seeks to take these choices away from you.

This article began by telling you our aims: we want to tell you exactly what you should and need to know. Pay close attention and be assured that we, along with other organisations have meticulously studied the facts, figures and personal experiences of many people.

Let us guide you through all aspects of assisted suicide, as explored and validated by informed individuals who are bravely speaking out. This significant change in our lives will impact all of us, often in ways we may not yet realize. The push to change the law could occur rapidly if people remain unaware of the facts.

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems. Sometimes, there is an assumption that the opposition to assisted suicide comes solely from those whose religion prohibits it, often referred to as the "crazy Christian argument." This is not accurate. This viewpoint is being used to encourage support for assisted suicide. While people in this country are legally allowed to have their beliefs, we are also eager to hear from anyone with a secular perspective or other opposing views.

Kier Starmer is a strong supporter of assisted suicide. Although Parliament previously made the vote a free choice, having a leader who supports assisted suicide may influence how his cabinet votes.

As many people have said, "If you want to know how good a society is, look at how it cares for the weakest and most vulnerable." Dignity in Dying is presenting assisted suicide as a form of care, but it is the opposite of care. It represents the cruelest and most selfish response to a profound need.

It is what they aren't telling you that is unforgivable. So let us tell you here before it's too late. DON’T VOTE FOR WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW.( Add something here, like a picture or details about the cost.bout the cost.)