A mother who struggled with her mental health due to a previous relationship with a coercive ex-partner, and the death of her mother took her own life, a corner has ruled.

Kate Woods, from Darwen, was 42 when she was found near her home on May 13 this year.

An inquest at Blackburn Town Hall on Wednesday, September 28, heard how Ms Woods’ neighbour Heather Leaver saw her walk into wasteland across from their properties.

Ms Leaver said she ran from her property and grabbed her coat and ran to Ms Woods.

She then ran back to the property and shouted 'call 999'.

Ms Leaver called the emergency services where officers and paramedics then took over on arrival.

In a statement read out in court, Ms Leaver said she had known Ms Woods for over seven years and she had told her she was struggling with her mental health.

She said she knew how much Ms Woods loved her kids and partner, so it was shock.

Ms Woods was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital and was put on life support; a CT scan was conducted and there was no injury to the brain or spine.

Ms Woods was put on medication and taken to the ICU.

On May 15, another CT scan was conducted which found evidence of brain stem death and a complete loss of brain activity, but breaths were still being taken.

Ms Woods family informed the doctors that she wanted to donate her organs.

As the days went by, Ms Woods remained unresponsive and had an unrecoverable brain injury, and on May 19 she was pronounced dead.

Ms Woods sister, Angela Woods, told the court Ms Woods had a long period of mental health struggles and mental health problems in relation to her coercive ex-partner.

Ms Woods left her ex-partner in 2013 and a restraining order was granted after a number of court proceedings.

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The court heard how Ms Woods became anxious and paranoid and had previous history of self-harm, being diagnosed with trauma psychosis in 2015.

Angela said her sister received care that was beneficial, but her sister had several side effects from medication which she spoke to doctors about, and the family felt like there was a lack of support and felt like concerns were dismissed about the medication.

This has now been made part of the recommended changes to the Early Intervention Service.

Since 2015, Ms Woods mental health deteriorated and on May 13 she was seen by a psychiatrist who prescribed her drugs to help her manage with voices in her head, and said she hadn’t slept in two weeks.

Ms Woods was informed to go to the pharmacy and collect a significant amount of medication.

East Lancashire Intervention service supervised Ms Woods care and had their first contact with her in 2005 for her mental health, and she was later discharged from their services.

Ms Woods later started to present with psychosis due to the trauma from her ex-partner.

Throughout the course of 2020-21, Ms Woods engaged with the East Lancashire Intervention service team again, and was diagnosed with psychotic disorder.

In 2021, Ms Woods had behavioural therapy and said she wasn’t able to work, her health began to deteriorate in May 2021 and her medication increased.

On June 11, Ms Woods ex-partner was at court and a restraining order was put in place.

After this, Ms Woods mother died, which caused Ms Woods further distress.

She said she wanted to be well for her children and wished to grieve for her mother.

At the end of 2021, Ms Woods began engaging with services to seek work but missed a number of appointments with the care team.

On March 21, 2022, Ms Woods was happy to engage with her therapist and attended therapy sessions on March 24, but on a home visit on May 11 concerns were raised by Ms Woods therapist.

In a police investigation, CCTV in the area confirmed the neighbour’s story and no third party was involved.

The court heard evidence from Vicky Sherrington, service manager for the Early Intervention Service.

She said there were no clearly identifiable route causes for Ms Woods death, it was unexpected, and professionals endeavoured to give Ms Woods care.

The court heard how there was no fault contributed to the service but areas in the service could be improved.

Recommendations and changes to the service include:

  • a new service introduced from September,
  • the service user being involved in the care plan specifically looking at the needs and goals more relevant to their care and a recommendation on the medication supplied,
  • focusing on who is prescribing and where to get it from,
  • monitoring of completion of records in a timely manner, enhancing supervision and support.

Coroner Kate Bisset concluded Ms Woods had died from a brain injury, cardiac arrest and hanging with anxiety as a contributory factor.

Ms Bisset said she wants to pass her sincere condolences to the family and stated it was clear Ms Woods loved her family and she was much loved too.

She stated Ms Woods struggled over time with her mental health but thought it got better, and in May her mental health took a turn for the worse.

Ms Bisset informed the coroners court that Ms Woods had died from suicide and changes have taken place in the Early Intervention Service since Ms Woods death.

If you're struggling with your mental health or are in crisis, you can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 - they're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.