LOCAL campaigner Adrian Derbyshire is calling for more to be done to support vulnerable young people following the tragic death of a 12-year-old Warrington schoolgirl at the weekend.
Police have confirmed the death but not yet named the youngster who attended Penketh High School. She has been identified locally and on social media as Jessica Scatterson.
It would have been her 13th birthday yesterday.
Police gave confirmed they were called to an address in Bewsey at 2.52am on April 22, following reports of concern for safety.
A 13-year-old was found unconscious and was taken to Warrington General Hospital but sadly died.
Detective Inspector Karen Jaundrill, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family at such a difficult time and they are currently being supported by specialist officers.
“We are working closely with the school and other partner agencies to provide support to any children who may have been affected.”
“There are no suspicious circumstances and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
After hearing about the tragedy local campaigner Adrian Derbyshire, who set up #SASSY (Support Against Self-Harm & Suicide in Youth) after losing his own daughter Julia in tragic circumstances after she took her own life aged 16, said: “After speaking to over 200,000 children and young adults through #InspireBelieveSucceed & #SASSY campaigns, it became apparent that children give up on faith in their school, community, humanity and themselves due to bullying and mental health issues.
“We now hear of a local 13-year-old-girl who has possibly gone through those thoughts and feelings.
“We need to be doing more to support vulnerable children and young adults and promoting awareness, communication, support and offering unconditional love is the only way forward.”
Adrian is campaigning for more help and support for vulnerable young people through his #SASSY (Support Against Self-Harm & Suicide in Youth) campaign in memory of his daughter Julia, who also attended Penketh High School.
6 Comments
This story is about my daughter. It is very hard to come across this over social media site and not to be asked is it ok to publish such a story by her mother is very upsetting. I asked the public to set balloons up to heaven for Jessica’s 13th birthday on the 24th in respect to send her a gift to heaven. There is also another group for Jessica’s friends and family from Leigh and Wigan named the topas project this offers free help and counseling support for anybody affected by what has happened. Also we have set up a fund to try and raise money for her https://www.gofundme.com/justiceforjessicaswish
I am so sorry for ur lost did you know Jessica scatterson
Yes she was my daughter. I cannot believe 2 children from the same school died with suiside. I would like to speak to the author of this story
Dear Rachael – I have tried emailing you back but the email is bouncing back so you must have typed something wrong?
I have only just seen this
My two daughters attended Penketh High. I complained to the Governors regarding several prolonged bullying issues, and a staff member refusing to investigate and seek evidence from supply teachers who witnessed incidents.
The staff member concerned actually walked out of the meeting refusing to answer questions. She had previously hung up on me during a telephone call. I know of several parents with similar complaints regarding Penketh High, and this actual staff member.
I had to threaten legal action due to the mis recording of the Governors meetings minutes concerning my meeting.
I attempted to escalate the complaint through OFSTEAD and the local authority. I was ignored by all bodies. I emailed several officiating bodies regarding my concerns over Penketh Highs dealing with bullying issues. All ignored. My eldest daughter suffered through her entire 5 years schooling. We refused to let this continue with my youngest, at her request we moved her after 3 years.
The consequences of the desperation of young children when they loose faith in the relevant organisations is heart wrenchingly tragic. It is criminal some of these bodies fail in their duties