There's calls for more funding for mental health services in West Yorkshire
Ethan Nutton took his own life in 2019 after a battle with mental health
Last updated 11th Mar 2021
The family and friends of a Halifax teenager who took his own life feel a lack of funding may have prevented him from getting more support
Ethan Nutton was accessing local services before he died in 2019, at just 19 years old.
His best friend, Kian Miller said:
"When someone does says do you think they've let him down, I don't think they did, but I also see how they did in a sense.
"They all have ideas and ideas and they can only do them when they get enough money."
His sister Ellie said:
"When you get to a certain age, there's not as many people who are willing to help. When you get to 18+ you're an adult, it's their struggle, not ours anymore."
Family and friends have now come together and have raised more than £21,000 for mental health charity MIND in Bradford.
Lisa Jakimciw, Mind in Bradford’s Interim Business Development Director, said:
“The support of families who have lost a loved one is so greatly appreciated by all at Mind in Bradford. All the money raised for us is spent in the district on our wide variety of services, which offer help and support to anyone struggling with their mental health.”
“The money raised will make a huge difference. There has been an increased demand for mental health support due to the pandemic, and this will help us to support anyone who needs us in these challenging times.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
“We know this year has been exceptionally difficult, and we are committed to supporting everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.
“We have provided the largest funding increase in NHS history to expand and transform mental health services, with an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24. As part of the Spending Review 2020, we announced an additional £500 million to address waiting times for mental health services, give more people the support they need, and invest in the NHS workforce. Over the course of the pandemic we have also given over £10.2million in funding to support mental health charities to enable them to help those in need.”