Agencies review lessons learned after 51-year-old's death

Friday 13 August 2021

Agencies looking after vulnerable islanders say they will take on all lessons that can be learned from the case of a 51-year-old man, who took his own life in 2018.

A recent inquest found that Mark Graeme Albert Holley died of multiple injuries on 21 October of that year, while he was suffering low mood, anxiety and depression.

Described by his GP as a “thoroughly good man”, Mr Holley had a history of alcoholism and physical and mental illness, and had expressed suicidal thoughts in the past.

At the inquest, Relief Coroner Cyril Whelan said that all services involved, including Adult Mental Health Services and his landlord Andium Homes, did all they could to “put their arm around Mr Holley" and provide a high level of care.

Neither the inquest, nor Mr Holley’s family, attributed any blame for his death. 

Mr Whelan added that Andium had “gone out of their way” to make Mr Holley’s imminent move from Hue Court, which was necessary due to the property’s refurbishment, as painless as possible, including allowing him to choose the colour of his carpets in Plaisant Court and arranging to transport his belongings.

Asked about the lessons learned following Mr Holley’s death, Andium Homes said in a statement: “We would firstly like to extend our condolences to Mr Holley’s family.  

“Andium Homes is a landlord, and it is important to say that we do not provide healthcare services to clients ourselves, although we do work in partnership with Government and third sector agencies to assist those with more complex housing and safeguarding needs.  

“This is key in supporting many of our tenants to maintain successful and independent lives. We are a member of the Safeguarding Partnership Board and work collaboratively with the Board and others to support vulnerable members of society.  

“Tenants and prospective tenants have a fundamental right to make their own decisions in terms of where they want to live. We operate a choice-based approach to the allocation of our homes which allows the client to decide which available home they would wish to live in.  

“The Safeguarding Partnership Board will review the circumstances surrounding Mr Holley’s death and which will consider what lessons can be learned.”