A "caring, funny, and very friendly" teenager was found dead in woodland, an inquest has heard.
Joshua Merrells' body was discovered in woodland on the afternoon of August 6, 2019.
South Wales Police have said that there were no suspicious circumstances, with Joshua's body being found in Woodland in Swansea.
An inquest held into his death at Swansea's Guildhall on January 25 was told that Joshua had his own "quirky" style, including having piercings, tattoos and coloured hair, however his differences led to him being bullied, as reported by Wales Online.
When he was aged nine, he was diagnosed as dyslexic which led to him being placed in lower-band classes at his school, which he had found disruptive and led him to him making friends with older pupils instead.
By year nine he had begun drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis but was able to hold a "very good debate about it". He was also deeply upset by the death of his grandmother and had started to self-harm, a coroner heard.
The hearing was told Joshua was eventually put into a specialist unit at Gowerton which he had responded positively to, showing particular interest in gardening and survival skills, although his attendance was an issue.
Kim Webb, a learning coach at the unit, described Joshua as a "very caring, very friendly young man" who "always cared for others" and added: "Some pupils are very challenging and Josh had a calming effect on them and defused situations." But she had also challenged him on the negative effects of cannabis use.
The inquest was told Joshua had received the full support of his family and friends after telling them he was gay.
He had also been referred to a number of services by the end of 2017 and engaged with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), run by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, and had been referred for autistic syndrome disorder assessment.
In July 2019 he was taken to hospital following a seizure at home, which was due to an "impulsive" overdose of anti-depressant tablets he had been prescribed. In the weeks after the incident he was described by family and friends as being more positive, in a better mood, and making plans.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story there is help available
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (in the UK and Republic of Ireland this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
C.A.L.L. (Community Advice & Listening Line) offers emotional support and information/literature on mental health and related matters to the people of Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737 or through the website.
The NHS offers help and advice through its 111 service.
The evening before his body was discovered he had told his parents he was going out and was likely to stay the night with friends. He visited a friend who then popped out to a local shop and on her return she spotted Joshua outside a newsagents and waved to him. Joshua had bumped into another friend outside the shop friend and told him he was heading home.
Later that night another friend had texted Josh to check he was okay. When he replied replied that he was she had responded: "Promise?". But he never replied.
His body was discovered by three youths in woodland the following day and they alerted police.
Joshua's parents had raised questions as to why he had been discharged by CAMHS so soon after his overdose.
An independent review of the care he received with CAMHS was undertaken which raised a number of issues including: no neurological disorder assessment for autistic spectrum disorder had been carried out; no multi-agency meetings had taken place following his overdose; no clear outcome of therapy sessions by way of summary; and no overall clinical responsibility for Josh's case.
A spokesman for Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB which runs the CAMHS service on behalf of health boards in South Wales said, “The loss of a young person is deeply tragic, and we express our heartfelt sympathy to Joshua’s family in their devastating loss.
“As a Health Board, the safety and care of our patients is paramount. We have reviewed the care received by Joshua and will use the outcomes from any learning to inform practice in the future.”
Assistant coroner Aled Gruffydd said a toxicology report revealed evidence of cannabis and MDMA in Josh's system but said although the substances could affect the state of mind negatively it was "not possible to comment on this respect in this case". He recorded a conclusion of suicide.
After the hearing Joshua's family said in a statement: "Josh was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and brother-in-law. He was a well-known character and well loved with a smile for everyone who knew him.
"He would always go above and beyond to help anyone who needed it. He was creative and clever with quirky ways. Josh loved to cook and play guitar, often losing his worries in music. He loved to take his dog Luna for a walk.
"Josh loved nothing more than socialising with his close friends and extended circle. He is sorely missed and will be for the rest of our lives.
"The family are overwhelmed at the outpouring of support received which is a true testament to how many lives were touched by knowing Josh.
"The family urge those who are struggling to please speak out and use any resources available."
For confidential support the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.
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