You may have seen a recent programme on BBC Panorama, about the abuse disabled people are facing in Edenfield hospital in North Manchester.
If you didn't see it, it's available on the BBC iPlayer at the moment, but be aware it's quite traumatic to watch.
Some of our executive committee members attended a CHARM solidarity vigil last week to show that our members deplore all abuse in psychiatric care and we support our people who are facing harm in institutions. CHARM campaign instead for smaller community services that are co-designed.
CHARM is leading the call for a fully independent public enquiry into the abuse in services run by Great Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust. They are asking supporters to become signatories in support of their statement "Mental health service users and families say abuse uncovered by BBC’s Panorama programme is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ in services in Greater Manchester".
You can read their statement and add your signature. (Note: some of the content may be distressing)
GMCDP wants to send our solidarity to everyone campaigning about this, especially our friends and colleagues at CHARM.
If you need support you can contact:
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 if you are struggling and need to talk.
WebChat: https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
(5pm–midnight every day)
Samaritans
To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone) or email jo [at] samaritans.org
