Progress?

A few weeks ago while at my lowest ebb I was researching effective ways of ending my life. During this time I came across websites and forums that gave explicit instructions about how to do this. Thankfully I didn’t complete my intentions and sought help, which I am now receiving. However on hindsight I realised that on all of these sites, forums,etc. There was never any alternatives provided. No crisis numbers, no words said to try and get the reader to seek help. This disturbed me. So I contacted my MP to raise the issue. This is the second email I received from him this morning. Take a look. I hope he keeps his promise.

Dear Steph,

Many thanks for contacting me about the lack of suicide prevention information on euthanasia websites.

I have now received a response from Nicky Morgan, the Minister responsible for this area of Government policy, which I have attached for your information. Unfortunately, I have not yet received a response from the Department of Health, but I will contact you as soon as I do.

The Minister claims that the Government shares your concern that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable users and tackle content and behaviour which encourages suicide and self-harm.

She states that the Government aims to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online by making companies more responsible for their users’ safety, especially children and vulnerable groups.

She adds that companies will be required to make known the risks associated with their services and take reasonable steps to guard against the potential risk of harm and fulfil their duty of care.

I was disappointed to read that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has no plans to build awareness about this important and overlooked issue.

As you know, I think that the fact that any vulnerable person can access and potentially utilise this information on these websites is very worrying and I can assure you that I will continue to push the Government.

I would of course welcome your comments on the Minister’s response, and if there’s anything else I can do to help please let me know. In the meantime, if you are able to supply me with your home address I can post the original copy of the letter to you.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Ian

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