Latest news with #MatthewLock
ITV News
8 hours ago
- Health
- ITV News
Bereaved parents of 'kind' teenager Matthew Lock warn of ADHD and suicide links
ITV Granada Reports' correspondent Rob Smith has been speaking the parents of Matthew Lock. The family of a teenager who took his own life say it "kills them everyday" that they did not understand his "busy mind", as they issue a stark warning about the increased risks of addiction and suicide connected to ADHD. The parents of 19-year-old Matthew Lock say their son was an "incredible individual" who "wanted to make a change", but he struggled with the symptoms of his diagnosis before his death in 2023. They say Matthew, who appeared on ITV's This Morning as a technology reviewer, used alcohol and ketamine to try to ease his ADHD symptoms because medication did not agree with him. Richard and Christine Lock believe ADHD caused Matthew, who also had autism, to make an "impulsive" decision to take his own life, because he was "unable to regulate his emotions at certain times". "We know Matthew's decision was an impulse," Christine said. "We know he would want us to help stop others from making impulsive acts, causing devastation to families." What is ADHD and what are the symptoms? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Around 1 in 20 children are estimated to be impacted by ADHD globally and, according to the NHS, symptoms of usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person's ability to pay attention to things, having high energy levels, and their ability to control their impulses. A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as: being easily distracted finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including: having high energy levels fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet talking noisily feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they're supposed to sit still finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations His parents believe his death is directly linked to ADHD and are now part of an NHS task force trying to speed up diagnosis, improve treatment and raise awareness of its potential route to addiction and mental illness. The task force is also looking to improve NHS data and analyses on ADHD services, map out who provides ADHD services and how they are commissioned locally, and improving the way services are delivered. "It's very important that we make those changes in Matthew's name", Richard said. "ADHD can be an absolute superpower. They can think outside the box and be so creative. "We saw that superpower from Matthew, but the other side started to take over. That's the bit we didn't know about and that's what kills us everyday." Matthew's parents say they regret not understanding ADHD in more depth before their son's death and have urged other parents in a similar position to know the signs. Christine added: "It's the head full of thoughts and busy mind that you can't calm. I think going out and drinking did calm him. "It's understanding. Once you understand the ADHD brain, it's a fantastic. But if it's not understood it can cause problems." Speaking in March 2024, when the task force was announced, NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard said: "We have recognised that that more needs to be done to ensure people can get a timely diagnosis and importantly, that all of their needs are addressed. "This is a vital first step in helping us achieve real improvements in the ADHD services that the NHS and the independent sector provides.' Matthew's parents have also setup their own ADHD charity, dedicated to "education and raising awareness" as well as trying to ensure people are diagnosed and treated earlier in their lives.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm a garden expert – the three colours to paint your fence that instantly make your outdoor space look bigger
WE all want a lovely big, spacious garden, but not everyone is blessed with a lot of space to work with. Luckily, there are some clever tricks we can do to make the area look bigger than it actually is. 2 2 Now that the warmer weather has officially arrived and summer is fast approaching, homeowners are flocking to their outside spaces now more than ever. Whether it's to enjoy quality time with family and friends or to take a quiet moment alone to relax, our gardens are a sanctuary when it's warm outside. In a bid to help homeowners enjoy their outdoor space, garden experts have revealed how homeowners can be creative with the space they have. And if you want to make your garden look bigger, they have a helpful trick up their sleeve. You might not realise it, but the colour of your fence can make a huge difference. Matthew Lock, director of luxurious garden furniture specialists Luxus UK, revealed that painting your fence the right shade can trick the eye into thinking there's more space than there really is. He said: 'For many of us, our gardens become our sanctuaries during the warmer months, and we do what we can to make the best of what space we've got. 'Not everyone has access to a big garden, but that doesn't mean those with a smaller plot can't create their own summer haven. 'When it comes to making your garden look bigger than it actually is, the key is to use colour and design to trick the eye, and giving your fence a fresh coat can make a world of difference. 'Light grey softens the boundaries of your garden, adding a subtle touch of elegance and allowing other design elements such as plants and garden furniture to stand out more. Alan Titchmarsh's 'easiest' tip will fix bald patches on your lawn in two minutes flat this spring & no it's not seeding 'A soft shade of green can be another smart option, giving an earthy and homely look and feel and combining well with other greens in your garden such as your lawn or shrubs. 'Pastel colours in general, such as a soft pink or blue, are a popular choice in the UK, giving you a chance to make your space more vibrant without being domineering. 'Given that garden fence paint can start from around £10, you don't have to break the bank to give your outdoor space the transformation you want in time for summer.' Matthew also insists that gardens of all shapes and sizes can be enjoyed to the maximum, as long as a few simple rules are followed. He added: 'When space is at a premium, it is about working smarter to turn even the tiniest plot into your own outdoor haven. 'If ground space is limited, it is vital to make the most of vertical space. "Choose items that can help you make the most impact, such as vertical planters, wall-mounted pots and trellises. 'It's important to consider the purpose of everything in your garden and how to use it best. 'Choose multi-functional furniture such as convertible sofa sets and opt for durable and natural materials such as teak to achieve the natural effect. 'Solar-powered string lights and lanterns and battery-powered candles can be scattered around the space to good effect. "While hanging pendant lights can combine functionality with chicness.' 7 hacks to get your garden summer-ready without breaking the bank EXPERTS have revealed how you can give the garden a makeover without breaking the bank. Paint and Interiors Expert Lucy Steele, from Valspar Paint, has shared her top seven tips on how to give your furniture a fresh look while keeping costs low. Clean it first - "Mix lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and use a sponge to gently remove mould and stains." Fresh coat of paint - "A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, transforming tired and weathered furniture into vibrant focal points" Fabric Facelift - "Give any outdoor cushions a makeover by reupholstering them with old curtains, tablecloths, or even shower curtains". A touch of greenery - "Convert an old ladder into a vertical garden by attaching planter boxes to each rung or simply placing potted plants on each step." DIY Coffee Table - "If you're on a budget, buying new garden furniture can sometimes feel so far out of reach. All you need is two wood pallets, wood glue, caster wheels, and a few coats of paint. Dress up old furniture - "There is something quirky and magical-looking about seeing ornate interior furniture out of context in an outdoor environment." Magic Mirrors - "Using mirrors strategically in your garden can add visual interest, create the illusion of more space, and enhance the overall ambiance."
