Leeds, UK – 9th February, 2019: The heartbroken mum of a Leeds teenager who died four days after telling a mental health professional she was struggling to cope with suicidal thoughts is calling for better support for young people.
Afrika Yearwood was just 18 when she took her own life in May 2018 as she completed her A-level studies.
Now, a report by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust ahead of an inquest into the student's death next month has highlighted a series of failings in the support she received in the lead up to her death.
The findings recommended the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Leeds review its pathway for those who are close to 18, and suggested more efforts could have been made to ensure Afrika had been seen by experts in a timely manner.
Now, Afrika’s mother Beverley Yearwood, is calling on NHS Trusts across the UK to work quickly to learn lessons from her daughter’s case and ensure the same problems are not repeated.
She said: "The whole family remains devastated and traumatised by the loss of Afrika. She was a beautiful and extremely gifted young woman and we were very proud of her in so many ways.
“The report which has examined the support Afrika received is very difficult to read. It has brought to light some new information for the family, which makes it even harder to read.
“We were unaware that four days before her taking her own life, Afrika had told a NHS mental health professional she was struggling to cope with and resist suicidal thoughts, stating that she may do something soon.
"I would urge any parents with concerns about their children that have been told they don’t meet the criteria or threshold for services to never stop challenging and fighting to get them the support they need.”
Afrika was given an appointment for 31 days later after her appointment with the NHS mental health professional - by the time the letter came through the post, she was dead.
The family has instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the care that Afrika received.
Solicitor Lauren Bullock said: "This is a truly tragic case in which we believe that an extremely bright and talented teenager simply did not receive the care and support she needed at an incredibly difficult time.
“While nothing will sadly change what has happened in this desperately sad case, the report into Afrika’s care suggests there are clear improvements which can be made to improve mental health support for those close to 18 and therefore moving from youth to adult services.
“We are determined to help her family not only gain justice regarding her case but also ensure that lessons are learned which will ultimately improve care.”
Cathy Woffendin, Director of Nursing and Professions at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "On behalf of the Trust I’d like to offer our sincere condolences to Afrika’s family.
"We have worked with Mrs Yearwood, and with our healthcare partners, to complete a comprehensive investigation report to understand the care that Afrika received and the actions that need to be taken to prevent this happening again.
"Members of our staff will be appearing at the inquest into Afrika’s death in March.”
Source: https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/devastated-mum-leeds-teen-who-15803209