This evening, viewers tuning into ITV National News were left stunned by the story of Alison Rodgers, 60. Alison's son, Adam, who has a learning disability and autism, has spent half of his life locked away inside mental health institutions for 'treatment'. There are currently almost 2,000 people like Adam with a learning disability, autism, or both, who are separated from their families and held in secure institutions that are unable to meet their needs. Adam, 30, is currently detained at Rampton Hospital - a high-secure unit and psychiatric hospital, which houses some of the most dangerous and disturbed criminals in the country.
Commenting on the report, Edel Harris OBE, Chief Executive of Mencap, said:
This shocking report highlights the unacceptable and tragic circumstances facing thousands of people with a learning disability who continue to be trapped inside these hospitals, which fundamentally cannot meet their needs. These are chaotic places, where people like Adam are subjected to physical restraint, held in solitary confinement and pumped full of anti-psychotic medication despite not having a diagnosed mental health problem.
It’s incredibly brave for Alison to share her story. There are currently almost 2,000 people with a learning disability and autism locked away in these hospitals, with the average length of stay over five years. Alongside families and carers, Mencap has spent more than a decade lobbying the government to finally deliver on their promise to get people out of these institutions.
Only by investing in the community support and housing needed will we finally be able to prevent people like Adam from becoming trapped in these places, with their families unable to help them. People with a learning disability have the right to a good quality of life and fair treatment just like anyone else. Adam and Alison deserve to be reunited and for this nightmare to be over."