An independent review triggered by the deaths of two homeless men in Somerset has called for improved support and intervention for vulnerable individuals facing homelessness in the county.
Between 2023 and 2024, safeguarding referrals were made concerning three men who had experienced homelessness in Somerset. Tragically, two of these men have since died, while the third is currently receiving care and support through multiple agencies.
In response, the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) commissioned Gill Taylor, an independent reviewer with two decades of expertise in this field, to assess homelessness support services in the region. Ms. Taylor’s report offers a series of recommendations aimed at preventing further loss of life and improving protection for those deemed at high risk.
READ MORE: Two Bus Lanes Near M5 Suspended to Ease Traffic Amid Major Roadworks
READ MORE: 29 Death Notices and Funeral Announcements from Somerset This Week
All three men reviewed shared complex challenges, including mental health issues, histories of substance dependence, criminal justice involvement, or past trauma. They were also identified as being at risk of self-neglect and vulnerable to exploitation or physical harm.
One individual, referred to as Mr A, was evicted due to increased incidents linked to alcohol use, yet this eviction occurred without assessing the risks of rough sleeping during harsh winter months. Mr B died shortly after release from prison; his mental health care had not been properly reinstated, overly high prescribed medication was a concern given his suicide history, and he had been returned to a living situation known to trigger distress. Mr C experienced eviction from supported housing and spent nearly two years living rough in increasingly hazardous conditions without a long-term plan in place.
Ms. Taylor expressed her deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Mr A and Mr B and commended the dedication of frontline workers involved in the review. She highlighted existing national initiatives, such as the NHS ten-year plan and lessons learned from the government’s ‘Everyone In’ pandemic response, as valuable frameworks to enhance support systems.
The SSAB, partnering with organizations including Somerset Council, NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, and the National Probation Service, aims to implement improvements based on these findings.
Professor Michael Preston-Shoot, SSAB chairman, emphasized that the review’s purpose is not to assign blame but to ensure lessons are learned and effective changes made. He acknowledged the diverse nature of those experiencing homelessness and identified four domains critical to progress: direct individual support, coordinated multi-agency teamwork, organizational backing, and governance oversight.
To promote collaborative solutions, SSAB plans to host a focused event addressing homelessness and strategies for reaching and supporting those affected.