We quit our jobs, sold our home twice and spent 10 years fighting for the truth

Alice Figueiredo, a mental health patient, took her life in July 2015 while under the care of the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT). A jury recently found NELFT and ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa guilty of health and safety failings, stating they did not do enough to prevent her suicide. Alice's parents, Jane and Max, dedicated nearly a decade to seeking accountability, even selling their home twice and living in a hotel during the trial. The jury deliberated for 24 days, ultimately clearing the trust of corporate manslaughter but holding it accountable for its negligence. Jane Figueiredo expressed hope that the verdict would prompt significant changes in psychiatric care standards nationwide.

Alice's tragic story reflects the challenges many patients face within the mental health system, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. The Figueiredos' commitment to their daughter's memory underscores the importance of advocacy in mental health care. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present in mental health treatment facilities.