Teen suicide sparks call for mental health transparency

Benjamin Pitt, 18, was found by police in his room at Sanctuary Supported Living, a housing facility for vulnerable youths in Linden Road, Bognor Regis, on the evening of June 7 this year.

Police were called after a staff member did not get a response from Mr Pitt’s room while doing one of two daily welfare checks. When police gained entry, they saw he had hanged himself.

Coroner Penelope Schofield asked Sanctuary area manager Miriam Reed to explain the centre’s policies after police raised concerns that the staff member did not enter the room, despite having a key.

She said national policies have been clarified so staff know they can enter a resident’s room alone if they think they are at risk. All staff dealing with young people will have training about self-harm and suicide prevention.

The area manager added that because Mr Pitt was not referred from social services, staff had no agency to contact to find him alternative accomodation, with eviction being a last reso