Alex Davies died on Christmas Eve
Alex Davies, 25, from Litherland, who took her own life in HMP Styal, her mum claims
The heartbroken mum of a woman who was found unresponsive in her prison cell said they were “inseparable” before she was remanded into custody. Alex Davies, who also went by the name of Ashley, was found unresponsive in her cell on Christmas Eve last month.
The death of the 25-year-old, who lived in Litherland, is being investigated by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman. In a tribute to her daughter Alex’s mum, Stacie Davies said: “She was my best friend, she was my girl.
“We were inseparable and there was no Alex without Stacie, no Stacie without Alex. We would go out together and she would just nip into Pandora and get me different charms, she was so kind and caring. It was heartbreaking.”
Stacie told the ECHO how her daughter had been on remand for around two months, at HMP Styal, after pleading guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.
She had also been charged with possession of a knife/blade/pointed article in a public place, but had entered no plea.
Tragically Stacie, also from Litherland, said she only found out about her daughter’s death on Boxing Day, as her dad, Alex’s grandad, was told first as she was Alex’s next of kin.
She said she believes Alex, who had been on medication for her mental health, had taken her own life. An inquest is due to be held into her cause of death.
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text SHOUT to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
- The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
- James’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
The mum added how Alex was an aspirational footballer as a child but struggled with her mental health. She claims her daughter had never been in prison before the incident at the PD Hub in Waterloo last year where it is understood the assault took place.
A spokesperson for the Prison and Probations Ombudsman told the ECHO: “I can confirm that the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman are investigating the death of Ms Alex Davies at HMP Styal on December 24. We offer our sincerest condolences to her friends and family.”
A Prison Service spokesperson told the ECHO last year: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of HMP/YOI Styal prisoner, Alex Davies, who sadly died on Tuesday, December 24. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.