CHARM held a “solidarity” vigil outside Manchester Central Library for all those affected by the abuse exposed by the BBC Panorama documentary.
See our public statement
CHARM has been calling for a root and branch review of services for the last two years, because of the failings in community and hospital services in the region. We have not been listened to.
The documentary as expected was shocking. The abusive behaviour of a group of staff toward very vulnerable people in their care was inexcusable and the regime itself inhumane.
Dozens of health campaigners, service users and some current and former NHS staff joined us at the vigil in the city centre.
Speakers at the event reiterated calls for an independent public inquiry.
At the vigil we wanted to make it clear we need to create a mental health service that is compassionate, holistic and founded on human rights.
The vigil was an opportunity to stand alongside the victims and their families and friends and to share our support and express our pain and concerns.
When Alice, one of the patients featured in the documentary was placed in seclusion she wasn’t allowed to have her soft toys with her.
The denial of her soft toys that comforted her was a particularly stark example of the toxic culture of the hospital. We brought our soft toys as a symbol of the compassion that needs to be at the centre of any care.
CHARM 