2 Nov 2018

Ashley Peacock enjoying freedom of new home

From Morning Report, 8:53 am on 2 November 2018

After close to two decades confined in a mental health unit with long periods in seclusion, Ashley Peacock is finally adjusting to a much greater amount of freedom. Mr Peacock is autistic, with complex health needs. His case made the news when it was revealed he was living in a 10m-squared seclusion room, in the Tāwhirimātea mental health unit in Porirua, where he was allowed out for just 90 minutes a day. A report from the Chief Ombudsman described his living situation as cruel, inhuman, and degrading. His parents, Dave and Marlena, and supporters fought a long battle to get him moved to a secure house in the country. That's finally happened. John Taylor is the executive director of Community Connections, he talks to Susie Ferguson.