THE FAMILY of a man who killed himself by taking a heroin overdose have spoken out about the help available for others in a similar situation.

Robert Intas was found dead in his home by police officers on March 20 of this year after friends and family became concerned about him.

The 47-year-old was found in his living room having overdosed on heroin and a note outlining his intention to kill himself was found in the kitchen.

A statement read out by coroner Richard Taylor at his inquest heard how Mr Intas, who had a history of drug use, had been making 'exceptional progress' in his bid to become drug free.

He said: "A case worker from Aspire has spoken about how Mr Intas was highly motivated to become drug-free.

“He had achieved significant progress before he reported having an accident with boiling water.

“It was after this that his engagement deteriorated."

But speaking after the inquest, Mr Intas's sister Christine said he was very well the last time she saw him.

She said “He’d had his troubles but lately he’d been very well.

“But he’d burnt his foot before Christmas and it was really effecting his mobility and it wasn’t healing very well.

“I think this combined with the fact he wanted to come off his prescribed medications may have been the reason behind his death.

"he had spoken to me about how he didn't always get the help he needed when he was feeling weak, and I think its important to know how important that is for many people.

"All they need is someone on the end of the phone to give them some words of encouragement when they feel down.

"I know Robert had struggled with getting that encouragement in the past, and its important something is done to rectify this.

"If somebody reads this and see's something needs to change, then it will be worth it.

"He was always someone who was smiling and laughing. He just wanted fun and laughter in his life but somethings the world has a way of bringing you down.

"He was taking drugs anymore, and he was really trying to reduce his prescriptions. But he just needed help."

Speaking about her uncle, Bianca Intas simply said: "He will forever be my favourite uncle."

Coroner Richard Taylor said: “He left a clear note about his intentions.

“The dosage of heroin found in his system was enough to kill someone with a very high tolerance to the drug.

“This was not an accident. Robert Intas was found dead on March 20 in his home on Hobson Street.

“I can conclude that this was a suicide.”