Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition yet stats show that 90% of children with Cerebral Palsy reach adulthood and find themselves at a cliff-edge, without the support they had relied upon for their first 18 years of life.

To draw attention to the gaps in care and lack of support for the 130,000 adults living with CP, for World Cerebral Palsy Day (6th October), Up Movement, a leading CP charity, launched a photo stunt outside the Houses of Parliament. Up is calling on the government to adopt National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines so that adults with CP receive joint-up healthcare.

The photo stunt sees a lineup of people with CP outside the Houses of Parliament. 17 people of all ages and backgrounds are lined up in age in order to represent the full span of life and breadth of experiences of people with CP.  The lineup includes famous faces, Sex Education actor, Keron Day, Drag Queen, Wayne Allingham known as ‘Sugar Cube’ and Valerie Lang OBE.

Nick Jacobsen, who is featured in the image, commented: "As a proud ambassador of UP Movement, it is an honour to be part of the Lifelong Campaign, demonstrating an important aspect of cerebral palsy during adulthood with regards to challenges in healthcare and lack of support. This is an opportunity to show people that we as a community need our voices to be heard, as well as helping society to see our abilities, not our disabilities."

The image conveys the diverse range of people living with CP to bring to life the stark cut in support that leaves no clear pathway for adults after 18 years old. In many cases, people who try to seek support after 18 are then at a higher point of need, with a medical team who are unable to understand their needs and the best ways to support them.

"We hope people recognise the importance that adults with Cerebral Palsy deserve support throughout their whole life, not just until 18.” says Emma Livingstone, Founder and CEO of Up Movement.

She continues: “I hope these incredible images help to showcase our message and shine a light on the issue which continues to persist. Not only do we want to raise awareness, but we strive to take action; ensuring all get access to the essential services throughout adulthood. We urge everyone to advocate for better services and care, and support research into the long-term effects of the condition.”

Up’s goals are in support of the official CP Charter, recognising Cerebral Palsy as a lifelong condition. This recognition would enable access to new frameworks for GPs, implement new systemic reviews and specialist neuro pathways as well as increase funding and investment into research and medical training.

The photo stunt campaign brings to life the gaps and failures in the current healthcare system by shining a light on the real people it is letting down. The campaign spotlights the issue directly in front of government buildings and decision-makers to stress the urgent need for change and challenge the government to make meaningful action.

To find out more or join the movement please click here.