Zack Ellis, 15, lived in Oldham but had to walk for hours to get to mental health appointments in Tameside
Zack Ellis(Image: GoFundMe)
A teenager had to walk “two hours” to get mental health support in the months leading up to his death, a court has heard.
Zack Ellis, 15, tragically died on July 23, 2024.
A pre-inquest review held at Rochdale Coroner’s Court today (April 30) heard that from December 2023 and in the months leading up to his death, Zack had shown “self-harming behaviour” and “suicidal ideation”.
The hearing heard that multiple agencies spread across Greater Manchester had been involved in Zack’s care. These included his GP in Tameside, mental health trust Pennine Care, social services in Oldham where he lived, a college he attended in Salford, and specialist young people’s mental service CAMHS.
However, it also heard how Zack, who lived in Oldham with his family, was given appointments in Tameside and had to ‘walk two hours’ to attend.
Senior Coroner Joanne Kearsley told the court that the inquest will look at how the different agencies worked together on Zack’s care in the months before his death.
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She told the court: “It’s not just what happened on the day that Zack died.
“You’ve got a child walking two hours to a mental health appointment in Tameside, and that level of access and support for a child who is under social services to access their mental health needs.”
The coroner scheduled the full inquest to be held over five days between September 1 and September 5.
It will hear evidence from Zack’s GP, Pennine Care, Oldham social services, CAMS, and college UTC Media City where Zack had attended.
Following Zack’s tragic and premature death a GoFundMe was set up to help support his family.
Paying tribute to Zack on the GoFundMe, his loved ones wrote: “We’re all so heartbroken especially mum, dad & little brother and sisters were all going to miss him so much.
“We as a family are trying to come to terms with such a loss.”
Anyone wishing to donate to Zack’s GoFundMe can do so here.
Senior Coroner Kearsley clarified she would be referring to the 15-year-old as Zack throughout the proceedings as, although he had been given a different name at birth, Zack was the name he had gone by.
Helplines and websites
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/