What can I say? A group of people who are dedicated, passionate, experienced and committed, bringing a shedload of expertise, networks, ideas and action. In the background, INQUEST.org. A remarkable organisation. Unobtrusive, non-intrusive and quietly and efficiently effective. A perfect mix for the recently shell-shocked. – Sara Ryan, mother of 18 year old Connor Sparrowhawk, who died in the Short Term Assessment and Treatment Team Unit (STATT unit) run by Southern Health NHS Trust, in 2013
Finding out information about the state, prison service, police forces, health authorities or other public bodies can be difficult. Some families need more information about where they stand legally, about what care is expected from these bodies, or want to investigate more thoroughly for the benefit of other families, campaigns, publicity or lobbying.
For some people fact finding and research is a comfort in a world which has been turned upside down with no warning. This Toolkit cannot list all the possible places to get help and information; it would contain too much information and could become dated. However the following ideas might help you get started.
Libraries
Libraries and librarians can help you find books, articles or documents that might be useful. Most local libraries will be able to provide you with information about local services, local councils, and national agencies and organisations.
Newspaper archives
Newspaper archives, either at a library or at newspaper offices. It may be useful to contact either national or local newspapers to help you find information. This is especially true for finding out a bit more about your local authority, MP or local services. Family campaigns rely on the press to get their message across, and newspaper articles are filed and dated.
The Internet
The Internet is a fantastic resource, but pay particular attention to the source of the material. Is it from a respected author, or organisation and can you be sure it is factual?
Social media
Social media such as Facebook and Twitter allows you to stay in touch with current issues, news stories, academics, activists, and journalists. They provide quick and current information on a whole range of subjects. If you are not familiar with social media there are internet guides available, or ask someone you know who is using it already to help you access information. Social media allows you to share information with a broad group of people quickly. Like the internet though, it is important to be able to trust the information you are using. Remember that posting on the internet or using social media means you are not necessarily sharing information only with people who are sympathetic or may support you. On public forums there may be “trolls” or other users who make negative comments and hurtful responses. Finally, it is also important to take care about what you post if your inquest has not concluded. Coroners have complained in the past about information being posted on social networking sites before the inquest has concluded. Remember, once information has been posted it is public property
Writing letters requesting information
Writing letters requesting information is a good way of contacting organisations, government departments etc directly. It can be helpful to copy letters written to your caseworker/lawyer etc. With certain requests you have to ask using the Freedom of Information Act (which we will look at in more detail in the next section)
Local colleges or universities
Local colleges or universities have access to documents and information for specialist research
Trade unions and associations
Trade unions and associations often have statistics about their sector if you need information regarding a death at work, health and safety legislation or roles and responsibilities of professionals such as doctors, lawyers etc.
Local council officers or councillors
Local council officers or councillors as well as your local MP and Member of European Parliament (MEP). Your local council will be able to provide information on housing, education, health and policing in your area. Independent advice can also be sought from CABs and Law Centres.
Other family campaigns
Other family campaigns may have done some of the fact finding already. In Section 2: Using the Skills, there is more information on campaigning and family support. In addition families who have been through the process before will be willing to share their knowledge and experience.
Caseworkers and other support staff
Caseworkers and other support staff are a potential source of information and advice.
www.inquest.org.uk
www.inquest.org.uk is the INQUEST website and as well as information on specific cases and current activity it is an important research tool for families faced by a sudden death.
