Blyth Valley MP backs Charley's Campaign
Ian Levy met virtually with Jay Patterson, the mother of 12 year old Charley Patterson he say's mental health "waiting lists are too long."
Blyth Valley MP Ian Levy is backing our Charley's Campaign - in memory of 12 year old Charley Patterson from Cramlington who sadly took her own life in October.
For the last two months we have been working with Jay Patterson (Charley's mother) to raise awareness about the issues facing young people's mental health across the region.
We arranged for Mr Levy to virtually meet with Jay Patterson to learn more about the issues and the changes we look to make through Charley's Campaign.
After meeting for 40 minutes Jay and Mr Levy agreed that more needs to be done to tackle the waiting times across Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Jay told Mr Levy;
"The first time Charley self harmed was back in November 2019, she was put on a waiting list she wasn't referred to anybody, that has to change. When we saw them again for her second period of self harming in March they were unaware that it was her second time. If Charley was put on the right list which we found out after she died she would have been seen with in two weeks this can't be allowed to continue."
Mr Levy offered his condolences and support telling her; "I totally agree with you and I struggle for the words to describe this tragic circumstance. I believe that one suicide is one suicide too many, we can't turn the clock back as much as I wish we could but what we can do is offer yourself and your family support."
As the conversation continued Jay raised concerns about the waiting lists time describing her experiences with CAM's Mr Levy; "I had asked them when would me daughter receive counselling or support, I was told that there was a four year waiting list for me that's not good enough." Mr Levy responded saying; "The waiting lists are too long and he would raise the issue in Parliament."
During the meeting Mr Levy said he planned to address the issue on both a national and local level by writing to Health Secretary, Matt Hancock. He also said that he would arrange a town hall meeting with Jay and the health care leaders in the North East to discuss the issues that she faced he told us; "We will look to support you in any way we can."
Further topics were discussed ranging from both bullying in schools and online, Mr Levy told us how the Government looked to address such issues next year; "Bullying is happening all the time now it's happening in young peoples bedrooms it's very different to the issues that I faced growing up. Next year the Government will release an online arms bill so we can clamp down hard on grooming and bullying so I can assure you I will be supporting that bill."
If you're feeling affected by any of the issues in this news story you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.