My personal experience has paved the way for this urgent call for change. My daughter, who is under section 3 of the Mental Health Act, has been let down time and time again due to the negligence of the mental health workers assigned to her care. Despite being given the single task of keeping her within their sight at all times, she has managed to abscond multiple times. These instances have not only endangered her life but have also led to extensive police searches and opportunities for her to further harm herself. Repeatedly, she has been traumatized by the incompetence of staff assigned to 1-to-1 care, with male workers falling asleep in her room, behaving inappropriately and failing to engage appropriately with her.

This situation is not unique and pervades the whole approach in care for young people under section 3. It is paramount that appropriate risk assessments and qualification checks for staff are carried out before they are allocated to one-to-one care positions. Additionally, assigning male workers to care for adolescent girls poses unnecessary risks and discomfort to the wellbeing of these young girls. It is absolutely necessary that there be continuity and consistency in care to foster a healing environment for these vulnerable young people.

We implore the relevant authorities to review and amend the current practices under the Mental Health Act. This is an urgent call towards safeguarding the mental health and wellbeing of young people like my daughter, whose lives are compromised due to inadequate protection. Improve the quality of care for those under the mental health act. Sign the petition today.