To Members of the UK Government, Parliament, and safeguarding authorities,

We, the undersigned, call on the UK Government to take urgent action to protect children and adults who live with Pica, a complex psychological disorder that can lead to severe injury and, in some cases, fatalities.

Pica involves the repeated ingestion of non-food items, which can result in internal damage, perforated organs, poisoning, choking, infection, and long-term medical complications. Despite these well-documented risks, there is currently no statutory requirement for professionals in education, health, or social care settings to receive specialist Pica training.

This gap in safeguarding places individuals at significant and preventable risk.

Pica affects people of all ages, and the items ingested—and the triggers that drive these behaviours—vary greatly from person to person. Many individuals cannot identify or communicate what triggers their behaviour, making trained professional support essential. Standard safeguarding guidance does not adequately address the complexity or risks associated with Pica, leaving staff unprepared to manage life-threatening situations.

The National PICA Advisory Service provides specialised training that equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to:

-Understand the specific risks associated with Pica,

-Recognise individual triggers,

-Implement safe blocking, redirecting, and risk-reduction strategies, and

-Create safer environments for those who are most vulnerable.

Tragically, incidents—including fatalities—linked to Pica have occurred in settings where trained parent-carers were not present. While families often become experts through lived experience, professionals cannot be expected to provide safe care without the training they urgently need.

We therefore call on the Government to:

-Make Pica training a statutory requirement in all settings where people with Pica are cared for or supported.

-Develop and implement national guidelines for the identification, management, and support of individuals with Pica.

-Ensure consistency in diagnosis and professional practice across health, education, and social care.

These changes are essential to preventing avoidable harm and ensuring that no more lives are diminished—or lost—due to a lack of awareness, training, or guidance.

We urge Parliament to act now.

Please support this call for change by signing this letter and sharing it with your MP.

Together, we can raise awareness, improve safeguarding, and protect the lives of those living with Pica.