Parents of man in 'mental health crisis' launch petition for treatment outside of Southern Trust
The parents of a 29-year-old man living with severe mental health problems have now launched a petition to have him treated outside The Southern Trust as concerns for his wellbeing continue to mount.
The husband and wife team from Craigavon spoke to Armagh I in July about concerns surrounding their son's care - or indeed - what they deem to be a lack thereof.
They have supported their son's journey for a period of approximately nine years. According to them, he had enjoyed a period of relative stability up until recent months when his diagnosis was amended and his medication subsequently withdrawn.
Related: ‘We’re waiting on police saying he’s dead’ say parents of Craigavon man in ‘crisis’
Today, they say they find themselves in a 'constant battle' with mental health services, fearing for their son's life, for their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
They say he has now thrown away all of his own clothes, belongings and food; living in a barren apartment and is completely avoiding attending medical appointments.
In a desperate bid to find a solution for their son and others like him, they have now created a Facebook group known as 'Mental health services northern Ireland are failing us all' and launched a petition for their son to be treated outside of The Southern Trust.
Speaking to Armagh I, his father said: "We are trying to raise awareness and so we set up the page. A lot of people are messaging us and are in the same position. It's unbelievable how many people are being failed. The more people I can get to sign the petition the more people are being made aware. It all helps; just anything, absolutely anything to help.
"They will wait until our son is dead and say 'Aw, it's just an unfortunate loss of life'. Read the full article here.
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