Inquiry invites people affected by Horizon scandal to engagement event exploring impacts on health
The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry is inviting people who have been affected by the Horizon scandal (such as sub-postmasters and family members) to an engagement session in London and online on 10 April.
This event will give people an opportunity to share how they have been affected by the Horizon scandal, with a particular focus on physical and mental health.
These stories aim to broaden our understanding of the human cost of the Horizon scandal, so that it can be fully acknowledged and understood. We recognise that recalling the impact of the scandal may not be easy for everyone and that some may choose not to participate.
To register your interest in the event, please complete the registration form by midday 1 April.
Register your interest here
What is In Your Own Words?
Last year, the Inquiry launched In Your Own Words, a space where people affected by the Horizon scandal can anonymously share their stories.
Through the listening project, the Inquiry aims to amplify the voices of those affected by the Horizon IT scandal and create a fuller picture of the scandal’s effects.
The impact of the Horizon scandal on health
Over the past year, over 300 people have shared their experiences with In Your Own Words.
In these accounts, many people shared the devastating impact of the scandal on their physical and mental health.
To deepen our understanding of the toll of the scandal, the Inquiry is inviting those affected to an engagement session in central London.
Here they can share their stories and experiences of the scandal, with a particular focus on health.
Speaking about the event, Teema Nicholls, Head of Engagement at the Inquiry, said:
“It has been an incredibly moving and humbling experience to witness the courage and perseverance of so many individuals who have shared their stories with us. So many of the individuals we’ve worked with have faced unimaginable hardship: wrongful convictions, damaged reputations, broken relationships, financial ruin, and severe emotional distress. As a team, we’ve been working to ensure that these findings are shared more widely, so that the true extent of the harm is fully understood and acknowledged.”
Event summary
- Event date: 10 April, 11am to 3pm
- Location: Central London (Exact address to be provided at a later date) and online.
- Deadline for registration: Midday 1 April
- Confidential emotional and psychological support services will be available to event attendees through PAM Wellbeing. Information about these services is available on the Inquiry's website.
- For further information, please contact engagement@postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk.
What other topics has In Your Own Words explored?
In past engagement sessions and In Your Own Word submissions, the Inquiry has heard how people’s family and relationships were affected by the scandal.
In fact, around two thirds (65%) of people affected by the Horizon scandal told In Your Own Words that it impacted their family and relationships, leading to issues such as broken relationships, estrangement from family members and acute loneliness.
In November 2024, In Your Own Words published its first paper, which compiled insights about the impact of the Horizon scandal on family and relationships.
Speaking about the paper, Leila Pilgrim, Secretary to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, said: “As the Inquiry has progressed, the importance of human stories remains. Every story shared is vital to understanding the ripple effects of the scandal’s impact.”
