A hearing-impaired woman ended her own life after purchasing chemicals from the internet. She had previously informed a nurse about her intentions to commit suicide.
Imogen Nunn, aged 25, had faced challenges related to her
mental health
since she was 13.
She used her
TikTok
and other
social media
Accounts aimed at raising awareness about deafness and mental health, which attracted over 780,000 followers.
Yet, she ended her own life.
New Year’s Day
In 2023 – even after informing a nurse that she had purchased chemicals for suicide, appropriate safety protocols were not implemented.
Her mother Louise commented, “Immy was our rainbow—she had the ability to make everyone feel incredibly special when she was near, and her heart overflowed with nothing but love.”
The inquiry into Imogen’s passing found that ‘there was a lapse in the mental health services’ when managing her risk after she attempted suicide in October 2022.
Senior coroner Penelope Schofield noted there were failures including ‘not implementing protective actions after being informed that Immy had visited a pro-suicide site and mentioned purchasing chemicals for suicidal purposes, as well as not conducting an in-person meeting with Immy on December 30, 2022, to evaluate her level of risk’.
On November 14, Imogen purchased a toxic chemical substance online, which was delivered on November 21.
On November 23, she informed her support worker from the deaf adult community team that she had ‘purchased something online with the intention of using it to end her life’.
However, the inquest held at the West Sussex coroner’s court in Horsham revealed that although the police were notified and conducted a visit to Imogen’s residence, no lasting modifications were implemented in her care arrangement.
Two days prior to her passing, Imogen had a visit from caregivers at her residence, following a text message where she expressed growing suicidal tendencies.
She had additionally messaged her therapist stating, ‘I wish to be hospitalized as I cannot ensure my safety.’
However, no BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter attended the meeting due to insufficient time for arrangements — similarly, Imogen’s inquest was delayed by two months as they couldn’t secure any BSL interpreters to assist with translating for the two deaf witnesses.
Ms Schofield stated: “This issue stems from long-standing and extensively reported problems concerning the delivery of mental healthcare services to deaf individuals. The main concerns include a nationwide scarcity of British Sign Language interpreters and how this lack affects patients’ ability to express their emotional pain when their mental wellbeing declines or during critical moments.”
The coroner mentioned that there were ‘inconsistencies’ in the notes kept by Imogen’s care coordinator, Ray McCullagh — although these inconsistencies indicated lapses in care, they did not compromise the therapeutic bond, she explained.
A specialist from the National Register of Communication Professionals for Deaf and Deafblind Individuals (NRCPD) informed the inquest that not offering adequate interpretation services for deaf individuals might violate their human rights.
Need support?
For emotional assistance, you may dial the
Samaritans
24-hour helpline on
116 123
, email
[email protected]
, visit
a Samaritans location in person
or go to
the Samaritans website
.
Their
HOPELINE247
It operates around the clock throughout the entire year. You may dial 0800 068 4141, send a text to 88247, or drop an email.
[email protected]
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Ms Schofield concurred and identified an ‘arguable violation’ under Article Two of the Human Rights Act, further stating: ‘Immy’s passing highlights these systemic issues.’
Ms Schofield stated she plans to pen letters to the cabinet office, the Department for Education, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Department of Health and Social Care regarding these concerns.
The coroner expressed gratitude to Imogen’s family for their ‘dignity’ during the inquest proceedings, and added: “Let’s hope something positive emerges from this, leading to people paying attention and necessary alterations being implemented.”
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