Full Breakdown
Investigation into Historical Child Abuse at NHS Mental Health Units
12/15/2025, 11:41:30 PM
Overview of Allegations
Sussex Police are investigating historical allegations of child abuse at two former NHS mental health units, Larchwood and Colwood, located in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. The investigation has identified 12 alleged victims, with authorities believing that more individuals may come forward. The allegations primarily involve incidents occurring during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, when the facilities were operational and provided care for vulnerable children, including those with neurodiverse conditions and mental health issues.
Victim Accounts
One of the alleged victims, referred to as Christopher, described being sexually assaulted by a staff member when he was nine years old. He recounted a specific incident where he was lured into the woods under the pretense of picking flowers for his mother, only to be raped. Christopher stated, “I just left the flowers there, the ones I never gave to my mum. That was the daffodil day, that's always stuck with me.” He claims that the same staff member continued to assault him repeatedly, expressing a belief that others at Larchwood must have been aware of the abuse.
Another individual, Linda, who worked as a nurse at Colwood in the late 1990s, described a culture of neglect and abuse within the facilities. She recounted witnessing a frail patient being violently thrown across a room by a staff member, highlighting the substandard care provided to vulnerable children.
Police Investigation and Responses
Detective Inspector Cheryl Lewendon stated that several potential suspects have been identified, including two men in their 60s and 70s who have been interviewed, although no arrests have been made. The police emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice for the victims, asserting that the passage of time should not hinder the investigation. Lewendon acknowledged past failures in handling abuse allegations, stating, “We didn't do the right thing back then... We've come a long way since then.”
The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees current child and adolescent mental health services in the area, expressed support for the police investigation. A spokesperson for the Trust acknowledged the difficulty for victims in coming forward and encouraged anyone with experiences of abuse to contact the police.
Calls for Accountability
Christopher and other alleged victims have called for a formal apology from the NHS regarding the historical abuse. The police launched a public appeal for information in June, seeking to identify additional victims and witnesses who may have relevant information about the incidents at Larchwood and Colwood.
Criticism of Past Investigations
The investigation has also faced scrutiny regarding how previous allegations were handled. Detective Inspector Lewendon noted that earlier investigations were conducted in isolation, failing to consider the broader context of the allegations. This acknowledgment reflects a shift in approach aimed at ensuring a more comprehensive investigation into the historical abuse claims.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The passage of time shouldn't prevent us from getting justice for those victims," she added.” — Detective Inspector Cheryl Lewendon
- “I just left the flowers there, the ones I never gave to my mum.” — Christopher, alleged victim
- “We acknowledge how difficult it must be for people to come forward to share their experiences of abuse and our thoughts are with them.” — Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson
This ongoing investigation highlights the importance of addressing historical abuse and ensuring accountability for past actions within mental health care facilities.