THE PARENTS of a 21-year-old man who was found hanged in Bournemouth town centre are calling for more help for young people suffering from poor mental health.

Matthew Mason’s body was discovered outside his home at Midland Heights, Queens Road, late on October 22. Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.

In a statement Matthew’s parents, David and Ruth, said their son had suffered with mental health problems for many years and did not always receive the help he needed. They said: “Matthew’s immediate and extended family have worked tirelessly to help and support him throughout his young life and are all shattered by this news.

“Matthew was a deeply troubled soul who had received assistance for mental health issues for some years.

“Whilst he was fortunate to have been helped by some excellent health workers, like his current support worker, in other situations Matthew struggled to find the help and support he needed.”

The devastated couple contacted the Daily Echo during its week-long campaign highlighting the flaws in the mental health services for young people in Dorset.

Their statement continued: “We are therefore very pleased to see the campaign the Echo is running to promote this important area.

“One of the challenges we have found as a family, is that, perhaps due to insufficient resources, there are frequent changes in professional interactions, making it difficult for Matthew to build trust and receive help.

“His tragic and premature death shows the depth of the problems he was suffering and the importance of the mental health care services providing invaluable assistance.”

The family are hoping the tragedy will highlight the importance of work carried out by mental health charities such Young Minds, which provides support to young people with mental health issues.

To find out more about the charity go to youngminds.org.uk. Parents concerned about their children’s mental health can call Young Mind’s parent helpline on 08088 025 544.

n An inquest into Matthew’s death was opened and adjourned at Bournemouth Coroner’s Court on Tuesday. After conducting a post mortem examination, pathologist Joan McCutcheon recorded the cause of death as hanging. The inquest was adjourned to allow further enquiries to be made.