I wanted to share an important update as things are moving quickly.

The BBC South East piece on selective mutism is being aired again tonight. 

For anyone who wants to see the short version and the article directly, you can find them on the BBC Sussex Facebook page:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/BBCSussex

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⭐ Joint Statement from WSCC and NHS Sussex;

I have now seen the joint statement issued by West Sussex County Council and NHS Sussex.

I am genuinely grateful that both organisations have acknowledged the concerns raised by families. They have said they are “reviewing guidance and pathways” and that parents can contact SPOA (Single Point of Access) for support.

However, the core issue remains unchanged:

There is still no commissioned selective mutism service in West Sussex.

Parents are being encouraged to “come forward” and self‑refer, but there is nowhere for SPOA to direct them, because no pathway exists.

⭐ My own SPOA referral outcome;

I have just returned from a week away, and the outcome of my own SPOA referral for Scarlett was confirmed while I was gone.

Despite having an EHCP and years of documented need:

• Scarlett has been discharged by CAMHS
• Without a single telephone conversation
• And the few video calls that myself and the school had with the Mental Health Liaison Team were deemed “appropriate” and “intensive” support.

They never even met her. 

The simple truth is this: they are neither trained or commissioned to deliver SM support.

This is not their fault, but the answer cannot be to pass families between services for years. Other counties are leading the way and showing what can be done. 

This is exactly why a clear pathway is needed. Families are doing everything asked of them — self‑referring, gathering evidence, working with schools — and yet children are still being discharged without meaningful assessment or intervention.

Schools genuinely want to help but are overwhelmed by need and need guidelines and visible training.

⭐ Thank you

Thank you to every parent, professional, and supporter who has signed, shared, and spoken up.

Tonight’s BBC coverage is an important step, but the work continues.

Please continue to share our petition and media coverage. 

If you are a selective mutism family in West Sussex, you are not alone, join our Facebook group; West Sussex Selective Mutism Support Hub.

A special thank you to SMIRA for their professional contribution 💛