Young Lad Takes His Own Life After He's 'Belittled' By Jobcentre Staff

An 18-year-old lad took his own life after alleged 'immense pressure' from the Jobcentre.

David Brown was hoping to find a welder's apprenticeship, but he was reportedly told that he would have his benefits stopped if he didn't find work.

An inquest heard that David, from North Yorkshire, spoke to his mum shortly before his death and said: "The way the Jobcentre treat people, it is no surprise people commit suicide."

The Mirror reported that David's sister, Grace, said the family were 'having a laugh' at their Sunday dinner. However, she added that she could tell there was 'something on his mind'.

"He said he was having a hard time from a woman at the dole. He said she was rude and belittled him," Grace said.

She added that David 'didn't want to be a burden' on their family: "He tried hard to look for work."

David was a huge Middlesbrough football club fan and had held a season ticket since he was 11. After his death, Boro fans held a minute's applause in his memory at one of their games.

Jenna, another of David's sisters, said that he "was full of energy and had a zest for life".

She added: "He still had so much to offer as a kind young man and we are all proud to call him a son, brother, grandson and friend.

"He made the world warmer and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him."

A DWP spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Brown's family at this difficult time."Suicide is a very complex issue and there is no evidence of a link between Mr Brown's suicide and his interaction with Jobcentre Plus."

Suicide is the number one killer of males under the age of 45 in the UK and males are three times more likely to kill themselves than women.

There's plenty of help out there, so, please, if you're feeling down and can't see a way out talk to someone. You can speak to the guys over at The CALMzone who offer amazing support to anyone when things get tough.

The helpline and web chat service are open 5pm to midnight, every day of the year. Nationwide: 0800 58 58 58; London: 0808 802 58; Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/get-help

You can contact the Samaritans on a Freephone number - 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]

Featured image credit: Facebook

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay has been a Senior Journalist for Tyla and LADbible since 2015. She started her career writing obituaries and funeral guides online. Since then, her work has been published in a wide variety of national and local news sites. She is part of the BBC's Generation project and has spoken about young people, politics and mental health on television, radio and online. Contact her - [email protected]

@melramsay_