THE family of a Powys teenager who died last month say they felt “dismissed” and “badly let down” by mental health authorities.

Jessica McIvor, from Llandrindod Wells, was found in the Ddole Road area on Wednesday, August 23. She was later pronounced dead.

Dad Ross and mum Rachael said Jessica was open about her mental health struggles and had sought help from professionals, especially in the days leading up to her death.

Ross said his teenager daughter wrestled with ADHD and autism and had also fought a long battle with PTSD following the death of her brother, Jayden-Lee, who was just nine when he was knocked down and killed by a dangerous driver in Telford in February 2013.

County Times: Jessica pictured with older brother Jayden-Lee in happier times. Jayden-Lee was knocked down and killed by a dangerous driver at a pelican crossing in Telford in 2013 Jessica pictured with older brother Jayden-Lee in happier times. Jayden-Lee was knocked down and killed by a dangerous driver at a pelican crossing in Telford in 2013 (Image: McIvor family)

“We tried to save her three times the week before she died because we had concerns about her and so did the police,” said Ross.

“She was detained by police on Saturday (August 19) and taken to Bronllys, but was discharged within 30 minutes. She was only interviewed for five minutes.

“She was headbanging a wall because she wanted help and needed help.

“She was detained again on the Sunday and was again sent home.

“On the Monday and Tuesday the mental health nurses cancelled her appointments as she was under the care of a crisis team in Llandrindod.

“She was simply dismissed.”

Jessica’s death is now being investigated by the coroner, with the South Wales Central Coroner's Service confirming an inquest into the teen’s death was opened on Tuesday, September 5.

“She was failed by the NHS and mental health unit in Bronllys,” added Ross, who said the family, and he claims Dyfed-Powys Police as well, are considering complaining to the General Medical Council."

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The family moved to Llandrindod after Jayden-Lee’s death, having seen the spa town advertised as the happiest place to live in the UK. Rachael also grew up in Llandrindod.

Jessica was a popular market trader in Llandrindod, where she sold handmade wax melts, candles and fragrances, travelling to Machynlleth and Rhyl at weekends, trading under the name Imagine Aromas.

Ross added: “I’m upset because my daughter is no longer here but I’m also angry because when she wanted help she couldn’t get it."

County Times: An inquest has been opened into the death of Landrindod Wells teenager Jess McIvor An inquest has been opened into the death of Landrindod Wells teenager Jess McIvor (Image: McIvor family)

Powys Teaching Health Board, which operates Bronllys Hospital, said in a statement: “Our deepest sympathies are with Jessica McIvor’s family and friends at this time.

“Powys Teaching Health Board aims to provide the best possible care for all of our patients and service users.

“Where anyone has any concerns about the care or treatment they or their family have received then our patient experience team is here to support you. Our team can be contacted on 01874 712582 and via our website at www.pthb.nhs.wales/feedback.

“Urgent mental health support is available at any time of the day or night from NHS 111 Wales, by calling 111 and pressing option 2.

“Also, when life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.”

Family friend Tracey Evans has set up a fundraising page for Jessica’s family at https://www.gofundme.com/f/jessica-mcivor.

Helplines

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers

You can call the Samaritans on 116 123

Papyrus Hopeline on 0800 068 4141

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58