THE family of a Colchester woman who died having been treated by a mental health trust are hoping her inquest will give them the answers they are after.

Sharon Kelly, 44, was found dead at her home in Colchester in June 2019 by Essex Police officers and paramedics.

Her family believe she took her own life.

She had a history of mental illness and was under the care of the Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust (EPUT) at the time of her death.

Ms Kelly, described by her family as the loveliest, kindest, happiest girl you could ever wish to meet, was an artistic person who loved crafts and spend hours creating homemade gifts for her family.

She often found peace and solace in her children and granddaughter.

At the time of her death she had been diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, known as borderline personality disorder, and had previously been an inpatient on a mental health ward.

She also had a history of multiple drug overdoses and self-harm but was allegedly not detained under the mental health act as she did not meet the criteria.

An inquest into her death opens at Chelmsford Coroner's Court in front of Senior Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray on Monday.

Her family hope they will be able to examine the contact Ms Kelly had with EPUT as well as the communications between emergency services on the day she died.

Mother Susan Walkinshaw-Kelly said: “I am devastated by the loss of my beautiful daughter Sharon.

"I am still confused as to the decisions that were made prior to her death.

"I felt that she was clearly suicidal and posed a high risk of harming herself.

"I hope the inquest provides proper scrutiny of the mental health, ambulance and police services and considers whether my daughter’s life could have been saved.”

The family will be represented at the five-day inquest by INQUEST Lawyers Group members David Gabell of Fosters Solicitors and Jon Metzer of 1 Crown Office Row.

EPUT have been contacted for comment.

  • If you, a family member or friend are in crisis and need help, please dial NHS 111 and select the option for mental health crisis. You will be connected to EPUT's contact centre where trained staff will provide appropriate support and advice 24 hours a day.
  • Anyone who is feeling low or needs help can also call the Samaritans at any time on 116 123.