Calls for care unit probe over tragic 'suicide pact' teenagers

Published 7 Oct 2009 15:11 Comments 1 Comment

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STAFF from a Renfrewshire residential unit are grief stricken after the deaths of two teenage girls who jumped to their deaths from the Erskine Bridge.

In an apparent suicide pact Neve Lafferty, 15, and Georgia Rowe, 14, died after leaping into the River Clyde on Sunday evening.

And this week a local MP has called on the Bishopton Good Shepherd Centre to carry out their own probe into how the girls were able to walk out of the unit unnoticed.

MP for Renfrewshire and Paisley North Jim Sheridan said: "The death of these two young teenage girls is a tragedy.

"I am sure that the thoughts of all my constituents will be with the families of Neve and Georgia as well as the other residents and staff at the Good Shepherd.

"The Good Shepherd provides a valuable service and has always been a responsible organisation working for the care of young girls with problems. That is why I am calling for an internal and external inquiry into the circumstances surrounding these unfortunate deaths.

"Meanwhile, I will also be asking for a review of the security on the bridge to ensure that it is not possible for these suicides to take place."

The teens were last seen going to their rooms to watch television at the centre. Staff carrying out routine checks that evening noticed they were missing and began to search the centre and surrounding area.

A short while later they received a call from Strathclyde police to say the bodies of the two youngsters had been pulled from water beneath nearby Erskine Bridge.

Witnesses saw them holding hands before jumping 100 feet into the River Clyde.

A coordinated rescue operation by Strathclyde Police, Fire and Rescue, Coastguard and RAF was launched, scouring the water and the shoreline.

A spokesman for the Good Shepherd Centre - which the girls had entered seven to eight weeks ago - said the pair had been on apparently happy and productive weekend outings with relatives.

The spokesman added: "The thoughts and prayers of all at the Good Shepherd Centre are with the families and friends of the girls who have died.Counselling is being offered to the other residents at the unit, who have been shocked and traumatised by what has happened."

Jean Cumming, chief executive of Crisis, a charity based in Erskine that offers support and counselling, said: "This is absolutely tragic.

" I would want young people to know that there are a whole range of services out there for them - not just Crisis but many others. We would encourage them to take all the advice and all the services they're offered.

"There are lots of people out there who really care about young people, and there are a million and one services.

"Sometimes children find it difficult to communicate their needs and we would encourage them to try and speak to an adult who can help them to source these services."

A spokesperson for Strathclyde Police said: "We can confirm the death of two girls aged 14 and 15 years at the Erskine Bridge on Sunday October 4 2009. Enquiries are continuing. However, there would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths. A report will be prepared for the procurator fiscal."

This article appeared in The Gazette 07 Oct 09

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LD
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Oct 9, 17:08
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This is such a tragedy. It is becoming more and more common that young people are resorting to this. Are we putting young people under too much pressure these days, childhood should be the best times of our lives yet for many young people now, the levels of despair they feel leaves them feeling that this is the only option left. My deepest sympathies to the parents of these two young girls. I cannot begin to imagine how you cope with this situation. My heart goes out to you at this time, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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