Julia Caro

We are very pleased to announce Julia as a new Patron of AIM. We have protested and campaigned with Julia regarding the tragic fatal failings of Essex Mental Health.

"I'm a legally qualified mother of 3 autistic boys. I am an Equality Campaigner for Neurodivergency and Mental Health.

I campaigned to help secure The Lampard Inquiry (out nation’s first ever inquiry into Mental Health) Charity Co-founder. Advocate. Writer. Speaker.

I am autistic (while formally undiagnosed an eminent clinician says I also am ADHD), and I'm so proud of that. I enjoy being me.

I’ve seen my community’s bravery and goodness. I’ve seen them struggle and suffer when they’ve been unable to access basic services anyone would reasonably expect.

I have lost my brother and my son. This makes me very conscious that much work needs to be done - and with a great sense of urgency c to convey our humanity and gain enough equality to safeguard us from preventable suffering and loss.

No autistic/neurodivergent person should ever have to suffer discrimination or loss.

I am so grateful to spend time with my community where the understanding and the welcome I receive is joyous.

Recent news piece here:
Speaking to ITV News Health Correspondent Rebecca Barry ahead of the inquiry getting underway, Ms Hopper said "change must happen".

"But it's only through speaking to people like you that people can stand behind us, stand with us and insist upon it," she said.

Ms Hopper continued: "The beauty of this inquiry in Essex, if it's done properly, is having the changes that we need that will safeguard everybody all over our nation.

"And this one is the first in history. Let's do it, let's do it here, let's use this opportunity to do it properly."

https://www.itv.com/news/2024-09-08/probe-to-begin-into-deaths-of-thousands-of-mental-health-patients-in-essex?fbclid=IwY2xjawFMU1BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdsRSFoqKzlP-Eadbc_6mk_TfUDmNsfwRsUDBwoWzRbBx3z5EtR9PPlLJg_aem_89iMp6-p2i-xUOjRhdPz5A

And some pieces about Julia's son Chris:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-64193112.amp

https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/southend-mum-vows-never-shut-8013342