A 44-year-old woman died after years of struggling with mental health issues, an inquest heard.

Minna Burkin, a retired investment banker, of The Old Granary in Popham near Micheldever, was found dead by her friend and housemate in the early hours of February 14 outside her home last year.

Senior coroner, Christopher Wilkson, concluded that the mother of two died from suicide at an inquest at Winchester Coroners' Court on Monday, March 18.

EXPLAINER: What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

Mr Wilkinson said: “It’s without a doubt that Minna had had a difficult journey with her mental health. The most significant impact on her stress triggers was the separation from her children. It’s very clear to me that that had a significant impact on her, coupled with the threat of homelessness.

“More could have been done with an extension of personal curiosity, there was a missed opportunity."

Mandy James, of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, told the inquest that Ms Burkin was assessed twice, once in April and again in December 2022, after being referred by a member of the housing team from Winchester City Council.

Ms Burkin was offered different services such as talking therapies but she declined any help according to clinicians.

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers: 

  • You can call the Samaritans on 116 123
  • Child Bereavement UK 0800 028 8840 childbereavementuk.org
  • Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 cruse.org.uk 
  • Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 uksobs.org