Family say mum-of-four died hours after cry for help text 'ignored' by support worker
24.08.2023 - 19:11
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The heartbroken family of a mum-of-four claim that she took her own life hours after a cry for help was 'ignored' by a key worker.
Rachel Grimes, 31, was tragically found dead at her home the day after she was discharged from a mental health hospital. Rachel, from Middlesbrough, has been described as an "outgoing and fun" mum who had battled with mental health issues for around six years.
Her loved ones are now calling for changes to be made to prevent another family from going through their heartache. They claim Rachel's call for help was 'ignored or missed' by her key worker after her phone was switched off for the weekend.
Leanne Coleman said that her sister Rachel had contacted a worker at Changing Futures - a programme to support vulnerable residents - after having suicidal thoughts and hearing voices.
The text from the worker, which was seen by Teesside Live said: "Aw Rachel, the only thing I can advise is ringing the police. My work phone is about to go off for the weekend but please keep safe x".
Minutes later, Rachel responded: "I'm done with everything [worker's name], honestly can't take no more".
But Rachel never received a reply and the next day a family member tragically found the mum dead in her home.
The Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Roseberry Park Hospital where Rachel had just been discharged from, says a review will be undertaken.
Her sister Leanne, 41, said: "The worker said she was discharged because her mood was high, she wasn't a danger to anyone else or herself. [The worker] said it was the last point of contact she had with her and they dropped her off at a family members and didn't hear from her again. We later found out when we got Rachel's phone that it wasn't the