Sky News Daily Unseen: The ‘invisible girl’ abandoned by the state
Nov 11, 2025
Nick Martin, Sky News people and politics correspondent, delves into the tragic story of Nonita, a care leaver who died after warning professionals about her suicidal intentions. He highlights Catherine Bryson's tireless efforts to uncover the truth, revealing shocking systemic failures in care. The discussion includes the devastating impact of the 'care cliff' at 18, poor accommodation decisions, and the lack of support leading to Nonita's death. Moreover, they explore potential reforms and the urgent need for accountability in safeguarding vulnerable youth.
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Mentor Spotting Early Red Flags
- Catherine Bryson mentored Nunita through short, caring outings like films and coffee that revealed warning signs such as scarring and aimlessness.
- Their brief bond motivated Catherine to push for action when she feared the system was failing Nunita.
Community Links Built a Campaign
- Catherine's choir contact connected her to child rights expert Caroline Willow and Inquest's Deborah Coles, building a skilled team.
- Together with a young barrister they challenged the system and pursued scrutiny of Nunita's death.
Legal Team Forced File Disclosure
- Catherine recruited rights specialists who won a rare legal permission to access Nunita's inquest files as 'interested persons'.
- That disclosure unlocked records showing repeated warnings and missed actions by agencies.