The tragic death of 17-year-old Jen Bridges-Chalkley, who killed herself while waiting for NHS therapy, has prompted a wave of letters from parents describing similar failures in child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs). The letters, published in response to an article about her case, detail agonising attempts to secure support for their children and raise urgent questions about the system's effectiveness.
One parent recounted their son’s repeated suicide attempts and the trauma of being dismissed by Camhs. They described calling the emergency line repeatedly without a callback, and when someone did respond, they were told to call the police to collect their desperate child. The son, now nearly 30, has tried to kill himself five times and no longer engages with services. A Camhs psychologist once said his case was too complex for them and referred him to a two-year waiting list for top-tier therapy, offering only three sessions in the meantime. After 18 months, Camhs had lost his referral and notes.
Another parent wrote of being three years into waiting for Camhs care, despite an urgent assessment in 2023. The first year involved a formal complaint because Camhs misplaced the urgent referral paperwork for six months. A second complaint, involving their MP, yielded only a promise of support but no confirmation of treatment in 2025. Camhs was described as an 'utter travesty' with 'the warmth of an iceberg'.
A third parent recalled a positive experience with Camhs in 2010 that saved their family, but said that when their son needed help again at age 16, Camhs concluded he did not warrant its services. The son became isolated and was befriended by someone who told him his parents were abusive. Despite reaching out, Camhs offered no support.
The letters call for an immediate overhaul of Camhs, warning that it dangerously offers hope while subjecting families to years on seemingly endless waiting lists. One parent summed up: 'Nothing will change. No lessons learned.'
