New report outlines how Horizon scandal impacted mental and physical health

More than three quarters of people (77%) who shared their experiences with the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry said the scandal impacted their health significantly, according to a paper published today.

These stories, published as part of In Your Own Words, the Inquiry’s listening project, highlight the varied way people have described the impact that the Horizon scandal had on their mental and physical wellbeing. 

Many respondents said they experienced mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and suicidal thoughts because of events surrounding the Horizon scandal and issues with Horizon. 

One anonymous respondent said: 

“[I was] under psychiatric care for a few weeks due to having some schizophrenic episodes.” 

Stress-related illnesses and conditions, such as chronic pain and fatigue, were frequently mentioned by respondents. These conditions were often described as being manifestations of the mental distress caused by the scandal. 

Some people told the listening project that they experienced severe medical conditions, such as strokes, diabetes and heart issues. Meanwhile, others told us that the stress caused by Horizon issues caused existing conditions to worsen. 

One mother said:

 “I neglected my children, and the stress caused me to have a miscarriage”

Since the launch of the listening project in March 2024, more than 300 people have shared their story with In Your Own Words.

This publication follows a previous paper , which explored the impact the scandal had on affected sub-postmasters’ children and families. 

Several respondents also said medical intervention was needed to support their mental health and that they experienced suicidal thoughts. 

One respondent said: 

 “The stress began to turn to depression again and my partner put up with several years of me wanting to commit suicide."

Leila Pilgrim, Secretary to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, said:

The testimonies we've heard through In Your Own Words reveal the profound human cost of the Horizon scandal, stories that go far beyond financial loss to touch the very heart of people's health and wellbeing.

We do not take it lightly that people have shared these deeply personal accounts of the mental and physical suffering they have experienced.

Download the paper [PDF, 3,541 KB]

Find out more about In Your Own Words, the Inquiry's listening project 

ENDS