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Letters of Support:

I am deeply grateful for the incredible letters of support that people have sent, ranging from profoundly personal to powerfully professional. Whether from the heart (by those who knew Lizzie) or the head (by those who understand FASD and how vulnerable young people are failed), each letter is a powerful snapshot of truth. Together, they form a consistent, undeniable narrative. I’ll deliver another batch on Monday.

I spoke briefly with the caseworker assigned by Melanie Onn MP on Thursday. She confirmed receiving the letters and has started reading them. I truly hope she reads them all, as each one is crafted with care and concern. I know that for some, writing these letters was painful and even traumatic.

North East Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board (NELSAB):

You may recall that NELSAB is the council body responsible for safeguarding adults in North East Lincolnshire, despite outsourcing delivery to Focus Adult Social Care. In February, I requested a meeting to discuss our concerns for Lizzie’s wellbeing and highlight Focus’s failures. Instead of agreeing to meet, NELSAB simply forwarded my concerns to Focus – the very organisation we were criticising.

I waited a month, but unsurprisingly, Focus never contacted me. This week, I followed up with NELSAB, requesting the meeting again. Their manager replied curtly:

“Mr. Gladwell. As I have already stated, I have raised the issue with Focus. Kind regards. [Name]”

That was it. No greeting. No compassion. Just cold dismissal.

I am traumatised by this ongoing ordeal – what parent wouldn’t be? I am battling symptoms of depression or PTSD, while Jane continues weekly counselling. I am holding on by a thread, clinging to glimmers of hope and the kindness of others. Yet, every encounter with such inhumanity feels like a blow. I am simply trying to protect my daughter, who was stolen from those who loved her, then isolated, manipulated and exploited.

To provide context, here’s an excerpt from a support letter sent to Melanie Onn MP by a trusted friend:

“Lizzie sent me messages telling me how much she had to change so that her boyfriend would love her, a flashback for me to her people-pleasing as a young child. She sent messages telling me to help her get her out of the place she was in, but then, when I said I would pick her up, and make sure she was safe, she changed her mind, saying that she loved him. She told me that she did NOT feel safe there, but she loved him. She told me that he controlled her, but she loved him. She told me frequently that her boyfriend told her she needed to change to save the relationship, so she was just going to change so that he would not break up with her. She sent me messages saying she didn’t know what to do.“

And yet, the very body responsible for safeguarding vulnerable adults dismissed me without compassion or basic decency.

I haven’t responded. What’s the point? This only confirms my fears: not only does Focus Adult Social Care appear to lack heart and humanity, but so does the council body that appointed them.

Linkage College:

The investigation is complete, and I’ve received the findings. Though I can’t share details at this stage, the report revealed alarming information we were previously unaware of. Despite the conclusion stating, “The complaint has not been upheld,” the findings actually strengthen our case in ways we could not have imagined. They underscore Linkage College’s obligation to intervene meaningfully and help resolve this crisis.

A wise friend suggested I take this to the press or the Charities Commission. For now, I am exercising patience, giving dialogue and discussion a chance. Unlike Focus, NELSAB or Humberside Police, I still hold hope that Linkage College will prioritise the welfare of its students and do the right thing.

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Thank you for reading. If you have any insights, comments or advice, please feel free to add them below.