AN investigation into the death of a young woman who committed suicide is to be carried out after her family pleaded her case.

Karen Meadows' body was found in August last year hanging by a dressing gown cord attached to a banister at her home in Melbourne Street, Barbourne, Worcester.

Her family has always believed that the 28-year-old should have been sectioned because of her previous attempts to kill herself.

In September, the Evening News reported that the day before Karen's body was found, psychiatric teams told the family that Karen, who suffered from depression, was not a danger to herself.

Doug Meadows, Karen's father, said he felt "confident" that progress was being made following a meeting this week.

He met with Marion Smith, the corporate affairs manager of Worcestershire's mental health trust, Tim Wolfe, a social worker, and Simon Thompson, the programme leader of Adult Mental Health Services, who will also conduct the investigation.

"They were very helpful and I genuinely have a lot of confidence that we are moving in the right direction," said Mr Meadows.

"There is going to be an internal investigation then we shall have another meeting in January."

Mr Meadows, who is from Malvern, said following the investigation, the trust will give his family help and advice as to how the law could be changed to help depressed and mentally-ill patients like Karen.

Currently, under the Mental Health Act 1983, there are no criteria that have to be met. It is up to experts to assess each individual case and decide whether a person is sectioned.

"I don't think I will move mountains but I will certainly have my voice heard," added Mr Meadows.

"Whatever happens it is not going to bring Karen back but maybe we can save other families from going through what we have been through."

Ms Smith said the trust was very willing to help the family with regards to changing the Mental Health Act.

"The trust had a very successful meeting with Mr Meadows and we are taking things forward for the family," she said.

"We have said that we will assist him in any way we can."