Sharren Bridges Supports Lifesaving Partnership Between Autism and Suicide Prevention Charities
ben83735
May 29
1 min read
Our client, Sharren Bridges, has welcomed a new partnership between PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide and Autism Action, two charities working together to raise awareness of the specific issues facing autistic people and improve suicide prevention support.
In October 2021, 17-year-old Jen Bridges-Chalkley died by suicide at her family home. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism, Jen faced challenges throughout her life, including bullying, anxiety, and long delays in receiving the support she needed. Despite repeated referrals to CAMHS, she remained on waiting lists and never received timely mental health treatment.
We supported Sharren through the inquest and related civil proceedings following her daughter’s death.
Speaking about the partnership, Sharren said: “I am one hundred per cent behind this collaboration. There needs to be more joined-up thinking and greater working together if we are going to prevent other families losing loved ones who may think they are worthless when they are unbelievably precious, amazing and so loved.”
Since Jen’s death, Sharren has launched Jen’s Acorn, a charity offering alternative education programmes for children who struggle in mainstream settings. She also continues to speak out to help prevent other families from experiencing similar loss.
