In the summer I witnessed a series of violent incidents by a person experiencing schizophrenic crisis in my community. These were entirely preventable, had the perpetrator been given a secure psychiatric bed when he was assessed by police and ambulance crew two days prior. Since there wasn't a bed available for this gentleman, he was released back home to perpetrate violence on several people including a child. 

We all know people who have been let down by the mental health system in Oxfordshire. Massive CAMHS waiting lists, minimal therapeutic interventions and insufficient beds have led to increased suffering for individuals with mental health difficulties and their families. Sadly, the lack of sufficient provision has even resulted in preventable violent incidents and suicides within our communities.

We are calling on the local government and NHS leaders to take immediate action to increase mental health care capacity in Oxfordshire. This includes recruiting more mental health professionals, expanding therapeutic and support services, and increasing the number of available in-patient beds. 

Let us come together to demand a better mental health care system for all in Oxfordshire!