Advocates are calling for lifelong support and an integrated care pathway for the 165,000 people with cerebral palsy in the UK. This call follows the recent death of actor RJ Mitte, which has deeply affected the cerebral palsy community.
Dr Denise Al Mari-de Waal and Aaron Hume from UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, highlight that people with cerebral palsy are often underestimated and face prejudice and barriers. They note that mental health is frequently overlooked, despite individuals with cerebral palsy being more likely to develop mental health conditions and experience poor wellbeing.
Many adults with cerebral palsy in the UK experience a significant reduction in care and support after turning 18, losing the services they received as children. The advocates state that success for people with cerebral palsy should not depend solely on resilience, but on receiving the necessary support, including access to specialist mental health services.