Victoria calls for urgent mental health reform

MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted Victoria Collins is calling for an urgent and comprehensive reformation of mental health services in Hertfordshire following the tragic death of 24-year-old Ed Holderness, who took his life earlier this year.

Ed is described by his family as bright and caring, with an infectious enthusiasm for life and his friends knew him as a natural leader both in the classroom and sports field. Though when he developed psychotic depression and his family desperately sought help, he was repeatedly turned away from both A&E and mental health services until it was too late.

His story is heartbreaking, but sadly not unique. Mental health struggles of young people in Hertfordshire have skyrocketed at an alarming rate, as at least one in four Hertfordshire residents will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives. In 2024, one in seven 11 to 18 year olds had admitted to self-harming, while suicide attempts remained high with 460 recorded suicide attempts in 2023, and over a third of those who died by suicide had previously attempted to take their own life.

“These aren’t just statistics," Victoria said, “they represent real lives and the families left shattered by preventable tragedies. Our mental health system is clearly failing those who need it the most.”

Upon hearing the tireless campaigning of Ed’s family for better mental health services, Victoria invited the family into Parliament and asked the Minister for Health and Social care to take more action on suicide prevention and mental health support. She has also written to the Department of Health and Social Care to urge the government for support on three key actions:

• Ensuring 24/7 access to mental health professionals in every A&E department.

• Increasing funding for early intervention services in hospitals, schools, workplaces and community settings.

• Providing sustainable, long-term funding for local mental health charities.

Victoria said: “The devastating loss of Ed Holderness has exposed critical gaps in our mental health services. When someone reaches out for help during a mental health crisis, they should receive immediate, compassionate care, not closed doors and waiting lists. 

“We cannot allow other families to suffer the same heartbreak. I am determined to fight for the reforms needed to ensure everyone in Hertfordshire and beyond has the access to proper mental health support when they need it the most. This isn’t about politics - it’s about saving lives.”