Scarlett Moffatt backs Charley's Campaign
The County Durham, Gogglebox star tells us "something has to be done to crack down on cyber bullying and support young people's mental health."
Last updated 6th Oct 2021
One of the North East most recognisable celebrities, Scarlett Moffatt, has backed our Charley's Campaign in memory of 12 year old Charley Patterson who tragically took her own life one year ago.
Since then we've been working with her family to raise awareness around young peoples mental health and cyber bullying. Charley received constant abuse from bullies both in school and online.
Scarlett who is now an ambassador for the charity Samariatans believes there needs to be more education for children around cyber bullying particularly in Primary schools:
"Most six year olds already know how to use an iPad or a tablet, that's why I think we need to start to have these conversations in Primary schools not just Secondary schools. People need to know how much it can upset and effect peoples mental health. Cyber Bullying is something we have to crackdown on to make sure that young people are aware their words can hurt and they know how to use the internet in a safe way."
The TV personality who shot to fame on the series Gogglebox has openly discussed the impact internet trolls have had on her mental health, she tells us she also faced bullies while at school but believes kids nowadays have it worse:
"My dad would always say 'bullies are like sandpaper the more they wear you down the more polished you become.' That helped me but I think when you're getting it from all angles it must be really hard. I could leave school and head back to my safe space but having an online presence is a way of life now.
It's so difficult to tell a young person to delete all of their social media accounts as that can make them feel isolated and ultimately make them feel worse. I think it's so vital that we talk to young people early and teach them about the dangers, so we can avoid devastating situations like what happened to Charley."
For over a year with the support of Charley's family we've been pushing for waiting times on Children and Adolescent mental health services to be reduced. Despite having a history of self harm was told their was a three year waiting list for support, Charley sadly took her own life six months later.
The County Durham star was shocked to hear this and backed our efforts to reduce waiting times:
"I know this has been an extremely stressful time for NHS staff but I do think mental health needs to be a top priority going forward. I feel so sorry for the family it most be absolutely devastating for them and I hope you can continue to raise awareness, I'll back you all the way."
Charley's mum Jay has been reacting to our interview with Scarlett she tells us:
"Charley loved watching her and would often say Scarlett was the most down to earth person on TV, she would be so pleased to hear that she is fighting her corner."
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.