Stephen spent over six years locked away in a mental health hospital, against the wishes of his family. But though he doesn’t have a mental health condition, under Section 3 of the current Mental Health Act in England and Wales, having a learning disability and autism was enough reason. His mother Leo campaigned for years to set him free and she describes some of the horrific experiences he faced in his time in hospital. But Stephen isn’t alone. There are over 2000 people with a learning disability and autistic people locked away in secure hospitals right now, often far from home and family. We hear of many cases of people being forcefully restrained, overmedicated, and secluded. The government must change the outdated mental health laws so people with a learning disability and autistic people are not wrongfully locked up in secure hospitals that can't support their needs.
Film by Drew Cox
www.drewcox.co.uk
