Liverpool mum says mental health services ‘must listen more to parents’
Liverpool mum says mental health services ‘must listen more to parents’
A year ago today, 21 year-old Liam Fletcher from Belle Vale took his own life.
The talented student was in his second year at Liverpool John Moores University and lived at home with his mum and two younger sisters.
Liam’s mum, Pauline has told Radio City that mental health services need to listen more to families’ concerns even if the person concerned is over the age of eighteen.
Pauline told us, “Over the age of eighteen, your children become classed as adults but really they’re still dependent on you.
“I got in touch with the service and asked for help but he would tell them there was something the matter with me. My hands were tied, I couldn't do anything even though I knew there was something wrong.”
Pauline said despite contacting health services about her son, they couldn't take any further action as Liam was over eighteen and classed as an adult.
The 21 year-old who hoped to become an art teacher had suffered from some signs of mental health issues from the age of sixteen, but it was when he was an adult that his mum faced the barriers in getting help.
Pauline said “If I took Liam with a broken arm or a blood disorder, over the age of eighteen he would’ve been treated. But because it was mental health and you can’t see it, you don’t get any help.”
“Liam was immaculate. He didn't look like there was anything wrong but there were slight signs of agitation.”
Pauline, whose home is covered in pieces of Liam’s art work, said, “The actual day before he died he was very positive. Now I found out he had closed his Facebook and Twitter account down, he paid off all his debts and he sat with me and told me how much he loved me.
“I sat up with him, I knew he was agitated and he was just overly happy. I think he’d made up in his mind that he was going to do this. He decided that this is what he was going to do on this date and nothing was going to change his mind".
Since Liam’s death, a number of his friends have sought help for their own mental health and are more open about the subject. His family and friends hope the discussion continues and more young people are confident in getting the help they need.
“Liam was the most beautiful, loving son. I idolised him, he idolised his sisters and he was a friend to all. It breaks my heart but i know his death won’t be in vain.”
Listen to Liam's mum Pauline speak about how Liam was the day before he died.