Road worker took his own life while waiting for NHS counselling

Road worker, 21, who became ‘anxious and tearful’ after he was victim of a random street attack took his own life while waiting to get NHS counselling, inquest hears

• Twm Bryn, 21, was attacked randomly in Gwynedd, North Wales, in 2021
• He took his own life months after the assault while waiting for NHS counselling
• For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit their website 

A 21-year-old road worker who became ‘anxious and tearful’ after he was a victim of a random street attack took his own life while waiting for NHS counselling, an inquest has heard.       

Twm Bryn, of Chwilog, Gwynedd, was targeted by a father and son in an unexpected attack outside a club just months before his death. 

He started to feel ‘low with his mood deteriorating’ after the assault and was referred for counselling.

But Mr Bryn, a keen sportsman, took his own life in Chwilog, North Wales, in October 2021 after being placed on a waiting list for help.

The inquest heard his referral for a mental health assessment took 40 days – missing the health board’s 28-day target.

Twm Bryn, of Chwilog, Gwynedd, was targeted by a father and son in an unexpected attack outside a club just months before he took his own life

Mr Bryn, a keen sportsman, started to feel ‘low with his mood deteriorating’ after the assault and was referred for counselling

The road worker was assessed on the phone by a nurse one month before his death when he said he would be ‘better off dead’.

Mr Bryn said he would not act on the comment because he had a supportive family, the inquest heard. 

Mis mother, Bethan Llwyd, said her son had become ‘anxious, tearful and was struggling to sleep’ after he was attacked in July 2021.

‘A one-off assessment is not an accurate interpretation of what’s going on,’ she said. 

The inquest heard Mr Bryn was attacked outside the Venu club in Pwllheli. The two men admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Mr Bryn was tragically found hanged near his home after he told the mental health nurse he was feeling suicidal.

Tom Regan, the board’s head of nursing for north-west Wales, said counselling waiting lists were longer at the time and staffing shortages were an issue.

He said an internal report into the death found Mr Bryn was identified as being at ‘medium’ risk of suicide.

The inquest heard his referral for a mental health assessment took 40 days – missing the health board’s 28-day target

The road worker was assessed on the phone by a nurse one month before his death when he said he would be ‘better off dead’ 

Coroner Sarah Riley gave a conclusion of suicide at the inquest in Caernarfon.

She said she would write to Betsi Cadwaladr health board to express concern over long lists and issue the board with a prevention of future deaths report.

The coroner said her report would also highlight a lack of support available to those not considered at high risk of suicide.

She said: ‘I am concerned by the lack of interim support for patients who are assessed as low mood and have to wait for counselling.’

Betsi Cadwaladr health board said it had responded with an action plan to address the issues raised by the coroner.

MailOnline has approached Betsi Cadwaladr for further comment. 

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit their website 

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