Back to page

Annabelle's Legacy ❤

  • She told them everything — and now so have we

      16 February 2026

    Today, Paula Penfold's second investigative article about Annabelle was published as the lead story on Stuff: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360937536/she-told-them-everything-why-13-year-olds-plea-help-has-triggered-national-warning

    Through an OIA request, we uncovered that the Health and Disability Commissioner escalated Annabelle's case to Minister Doocey as a "possible risk to public safety — particularly for a young and vulnerable population." The Minister agreed and requested a review of all mental health telehealth providers. Nobody told us. Nobody told the Children's Commissioner. We had to find it ourselves.

    This article also includes the family of Scott McDermott, a 23-year-old who died by suicide in 2023 after reaching out to helplines for help. His parents are speaking publicly for the first time. We are honoured to stand alongside them.

    We found a screenshot on Annabelle's phone — taken minutes before she reached out to Youthline that night — showing she had read their privacy policy. She checked what would happen if she told the truth. She saw they could tell her mum. And she still told them everything. She gave them permission to help her. And they didn't.

    We are continuing to fight for standardised escalation protocols, independent oversight of helpline services, and a system that actually protects children in crisis. Your support helps us cover the legal and advocacy costs of that fight.

    Thank you for remembering Annabelle.

    Zoë and Miguel ❤️

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Fighting for Change: 15 Months On

      23 December 2025

    We know we've been quiet - the coronial process has been frustratingly slow, with the Coroner still awaiting the police file 15 months after Annabelle's death. We were told it would be completed and submitted by today, and we're hopeful it will arrive soon so the formal inquest can progress in the new year.

    While we wait, we're continuing to advocate for change. We've now filed a formal professional misconduct complaint with the NZ Association of Counsellors.

    We recently spoke to RNZ about the fragmented helpline system and how better information sharing between services could save lives:

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/582258/parents-of-suspected-suicide-victim-call-for-better-information-sharing

    Paula Penfold's investigative piece will be republished by Stuff over the summer break, keeping Annabelle's story and these systemic issues in the public eye.

    We're grateful for your continued support as we fight to ensure no other family experiences what we have. Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season.

    Here's hoping 2026 brings the meaningful changes our young people desperately need. ❤️

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Significant Progress in Our Advocacy for Change

      24 September 2025

    We wanted to share some significant developments in our advocacy for Annabelle.

    The Health and Disability Commissioner has referred our complaint about Youthline directly to the Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey. This referral was made due to "broader concerns regarding potential risks to public safety with particular reference to a young and vulnerable population." This means they've recognised that the failures in Annabelle's case represent systemic issues that need addressing at a policy level.

    We're also incredibly grateful for the Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad's powerful open letter supporting the need for urgent reform. Her first open letter since 2013 validates everything we've been advocating for - you can read it here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360822291/our-urgent-collective-care-needed-prevent-youth-suicide-open-letter-childrens-commissioner

    These institutional voices backing our call for change give us real hope that meaningful reform will happen so other families don't face what we have.

    Thank you for your continued support in this fight for systemic change.

    Zoë and Miguel

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 25/09/2025 by Natalie

      This is an awesome start in getting that reform our mental health system needs! Thank you for being so brave, sharing Annabelle’s story and fighting for these changes we need in order to protect our young people.