Campaign Update

I wanted to share some positive news with everyone.

Our Selective Mutism support group has now grown to 110 members and our petition continues to gain support.

In recent weeks, families’ experiences have been shared with councillors, senior local authority officers, the NHS, the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum, local media and MPs.

We have also seen parliamentary interest on the issue. Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller has already submitted a written parliamentary question regarding support for children with selective mutism, highlighting concerns about access to services locally. In addition, Alison Griffiths MP has been in contact regarding the campaign and has indicated that she hopes to raise the issue with ministers on Monday, in person, having achieved a topical question ballot. 

Whatever happens next, this is a huge step forward. Just a few months ago many of us felt completely alone. Now families’ experiences are being heard at local, regional and national level.

One of the most significant discoveries from my recent research is that East Sussex’s Selective Mutism pathway is delivered through its Children’s Integrated Therapy Service, and that service is provided by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. I believe this means’ East Sussex has commissioned a service that accepts Selective Mutism referrals and provides a clear route to support because of this contract. If this is confirmed via my freedom of information requests, our campaign may evolve from simply asking for West Sussex children to receive the same support as neighbouring areas, to asking why children living within the same NHS Integrated Care Board are not receiving services equitably. (The answer to the written parliamentary question was that ICBs are expected to provide services equitably) 

This means that our campaign - if successful, could benefit children in Surrey, Brighton and Hove, as well as West Sussex.

I will share further information once those responses are received.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend - the sun is shining ☀️ 

As I usually do - I’ll end with reminding people of the power of one more signature. I’d love to achieve 2000 signatures before I even consider widening this campaign to the entire Surrey and Sussex ICB. 💛Thank you 💛

More updates soon - Jo