Brighton: Family slam NHS and Sussex Police for daughter's treatment

Rachel Garrett, 22, was described by her parents as the “beating heart” of her family and a "warm and deeply empathetic woman".

Bu they said they felt they were “losing the real Rachel” in the period leading to her death.

In a statement read at an inquest into her death, Andy and Sarah Garrett said: “Rachel’s passion, vitality and effervescence were the joyful, beating heart of our family.

“We felt we were in a dangerously escalating emergency situation. She had lost her ability to fight back and we felt we were losing the real Rachel.

Rachel Garrett

"She was crying out for help. In our view we cannot reconcile on what basis services did not protect her by detaining her. How many serious cries for help does a young person need to make before they are listened to and taken seriously?”

On the first day of the inquest into her death, which happened on July 29, 2020, the court heard how Rachel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby.

She enjoyed being creative and was a drummer in Brighton-based band Grasshopper who performed at events including the Isle of Wight festival.

She was training to be a secondary school teacher at Bath Spa University and was also been an ambassador for eating disorder charity Beat.

Rachel, from Hove, suffered with mental health problems and was diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder. Her family argue this diagnosis hindered her in securing longer inpatient treatment.

The inquest heard that Rachel, who had spent time in Mill View psychiatric hospital in Hove, attempted suicide five times in the four weeks prior to her death, including on July 28, 2020, the day before she fell from cliffs at Brighton Marina.

In excerpts from her diary, Rachel wrote: “I am rapidly deteriorating and my life feels like it’s crumbling before me.

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"I don’t understand how bad you are supposed to get before they help you.”

Abi Garnett, of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the lead practitioner on Rachel's case, said: "I think she [Rachel] felt some frustration that she wasn’t being listened to.

“It was challenging for them [Rachel's family] to support her.”

The hearing was also told that on several occasions Rachel was in contact with Sussex Police.

Her parents said in their statement that Rachel was once returned to their home in handcuffs and on a separate "devastating" occasion was arrested and "charged and detained for assaults" for three days.

The family expressed concerns at how Rachel's mental health struggles were criminalised.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We have fully supported the coronial process and will continue to in any way we can. It would be inappropriate to comment further ahead of the inquest.

Rachel Garrett (Image: Family handout)

"Our thoughts remain with Rachel’s family at this very difficult time."

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust did not wish to comment before the conclusion of the inquest.

Rachel died on July 29, 2020, after falling from cliffs in Brighton. A post-mortem listed a cause of death of multiple injuries and fall from height.

The inquest at Leonardo Hotel in Stroudley Road, presided over by Dr Penelope Schofield, senior coroner for Brighton and Hove, continues and is expected to last for eight days.

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 samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.