Petition launched for ‘Glade’s Law’ to give people in mental health crisis the right to urgent care
The petition received over 250 signatures in 24 hours
A petition has been launched to campaign for a new law to introduce a legal right for urgent mental health care for people reporting suicidal thoughts after a Portsmouth woman took her own life in August.
Care worker and football player Glade Clarke took her own life August 26 after struggling with her mental health at aged just 23.
Her friends say that in the days following up to her death, she had tried to seek medical help from the emergency mental health care team but was sent home, due to there not being a hospital bed available anywhere in the country for an inpatient admission.
This has prompted Glade’s friend Tegan Hide, to start a campaign to introduce Glade’s Law, which would require mental health services to conduct stronger assessments and provide support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in every instance.
A petition has been launched to get the law considered for debate at Parliament, and has already received over 250 signatures in the first 24 hours.
Ms Hide said: “I started this campaign because I cannot change what happened to Glade, but I can try to make a difference for other people who might find themselves in a similar situation.
“I do not want another person to reach out for help and be left without the care they desperately need because there is no bed available.
“Glade’s Law is about making sure that people are heard, taken seriously and supported when they are at their most vulnerable. It is about trying to prevent other families and friends from experiencing the same heartbreak and unanswered questions.”
Ms Hide has also approached Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin to support her petition. Ms Martin said: “The death of Glade was a heartbreaking tragedy, and the courage shown by her family in turning that loss into a campaign for change is truly inspiring.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Glade Clarke's death, and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and all those affected.
“We are in contact with Glade's family. Listening to patients, families and carers is a vital part of how we learn and improve, and we are committed to hearing and understanding Glade’s family's experiences and concerns.”
You can find the petition here.
If you are struggling, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 for free, anytime day or night, from any phone.