A HEALTH board investigation has been launched into the treatment of an Anglesey man who took his own life after being turned away from a mental health unit.

Kale Thomas from Amlwch had struggled with psychosis for two years. The 20-year-old had gone to Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Hergest unit on December 27 after telling mum Kerry Davies-Jones he had taken an overdose of sleeping pills.

Kerry says her son was turned away from the unit as, although one doctor agreed that he should be kept in, a second who was consulted with over the phone suggested he should be released.

A day later, on December 28, Kerry found her son hanged at his flat in Llwyn Onn.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board say they have launched an investigation into the way Kale was treated during his short visit to the Bangor unit.

Steve Forsyth, the health board’s director of nursing for mental health services, said:

“While we cannot discuss individual patient cases in any detail, we can confirm we have initiated an investigation into the care that Kale received.

“We would like to offer our deepest condolences to Kale’s family at this very difficult time.”

Kale had raised awareness of mental health through openly discussing the challenges he faced through living with psychosis.

His mother, Kerry Davies-Jones, 39, says she wants to encourage those who are experiencing mental health issues to open up and talk about their problems.

"Kale was all about mental health and making people aware of his illness," she said.

"It has helped us as a family just knowing that people care and my children (Ellie, 11, and Olly, 10) are so overwhelmed with the support we have received so far."

Kale had worked on boats in Amlwch harbour since he was 12, and joined the merchant navy after college.

It was during his time at sea that he became unwell, but Ms Davies-Jones says that, despite his troubles, he always had a smile on his face.

"He always gave a smile and a nod to anyone he met,” she said.

"He loved music, and it got him through some very tough times.

"His dog Duke was his biggest support and they were always seen out on walks together."

The #CaruAmlwch community group has set up a fundraising campaign in memory of Kale, so far raising more than £3,500 of its £5,000 target.

The group say they hope to “support the family during their time of need and significant shock”.

"Kale was very well thought of and respected within our town of Amlwch, the village of Penysarn and his colleagues from his time in Newcastle,” a spokesman said.

"No mother or father should ever be in this position and together we can help a little by showing our support to this family, who are suffering such a huge loss.”

Amlwch Town Football Club paid their respects to Kale and his family by holding a minute’s silence before their game against Gaerwen on Saturday.

Kale’s funeral will take at Bangor Crematorium this Saturday at 11.30am. Mourners are asked to wear something in his favourite colour, blue.