Tag Archives: depression

Depressed Man Hanged Himself After His Sickness Benefits Were Cut, Inquest Hears

December 2, 2013   benefits, Carers, Depression, ukcuts

Neighbour became concerned

by · November 29, 2013

coroners-court2

photo credit: ell brown via photopin cc

59 year-old Victor Cuff from Gravesend in Kent, hung himself because his sickness benefits had been cut, an Inquest has heard.

Mr Cuff’s friend and neighbour, Colleen Gobel (69), told police how she had become concerned for Mr Cuff after not seeing him on 22nd May. Upon further investigation she found her neighbour dead in his bedroom.

Police were called to Mr Cuff’s ground-floor flat at 6:11pm.

Detective Sergeant James Greenidge, told the inquest that upon arrival at the flat he found Mr Cuff’s lying in his bed, and that “it appeared he hanged himself”. Detective Greenidge continued by saying: “there was evidence he was drunk”.

Colleen Gobel told police that Mr Cuff had a history of depression and was “feeling down” as a result of experiencing money troubles after his sickness benefits were reduced.

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20% of people in the UK face mental illness

June 20, 2013   Carers, Depression, mental health

ONE in five Britons has faced anxiety and depression, with women reporting it more than men and the worst-afflicted age group being 50-54.

This snapshot into the nation’s sense of wellbeing comes in figures released yesterday by the Office for National Statistics.In a survey of 40,000 households, 19 per cent, reported struggling with the mental health conditions.The divorced or separated were more likely to suffer, with 27 per cent having symptoms compared with 20 per cent of those who were single, cohabiting or widowed and 16 per cent of those who were married or in a civil partnership.

Carers looking after elderly or sick loved ones were also vulnerable.
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Family carers are important and need to be heard

May 17, 2013   Carers, Depression, mental health

Carers group backs calls for depression screening

 

The new Deputy Mayor amd Mayoress of Sunderland, Stuart amd Marie Porthouse help staff at Sunderland Carers centre to celebrate their first anniversary.

Published on 17/05/2013 12:06

CALLS to routinely screen carers for signs of depression have been backed by Sunderland Carers’ Centre.

The Royal College of General Practitioners last week claimed one in every 20 patients being seen by GPs is a carer, while 40 per cent will experience psychological distress.

They warned GPs must work harder to ensure the UK’s “invisible army” do not neglect their own health and that early warning signs of mental health issues, as well as physical conditions, are identified and treated.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, gave her support to the proposals, which Sunderland Carers’ Centre say gives them a chance get more carers the help they need.

Graham Burt, chief executive officer at Sunderland Carers’ Centre said: “We know caring for someone can have a big impact on a person’s mental and physical health.

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