Olaseni Lewis was a young, Black British man who had recently completed his master’s degree at Kingston University. After his first episode of severe mental illness in 2010, he was admitted to the Bethlem hospital, where he later died after being physically restrained by up to 11 police officers.
A new piece of legislation aims to prevent future tragedies like this. The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Bill, also known as Seni’s Law, received royal assent in 2018. It makes provisions to limit the use of restraint from professionals or police towards mental health patients.
Before it becomes law, the bill must go through a public consultation. Please support Seni’s Law by taking part in the government’s consultation here.