Death of young woman excited to start university

BETHANY WAS ON A LONG WAITING LIST FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

- ANITA MERRITT

A YOUNG woman who was looking forward to enrolling at the University of Plymouth and taking her driving test was sadly found passed away at her Devon home.

Bethany Staples, who was on a long waiting list for mental health support for young people, was described as a happy and sociable person by her parents.

An inquest heard the 18-year-old had taken a year off education and was looking forward to studying biology in Plymouth. Before turning 18, she had been under the care of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) due to suffering with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

After becoming an adult, Bethany was repeatedly referred to free NHS therapy service Talkworks but her needs were deemed 'too complex' for the service, DevonLive reports. In September 2023, she was referred to the community eating disorders service by her GP.