An independent review commissioned by the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) highlights urgent recommendations for improving homelessness support in Somerset after the deaths of two men who experienced homelessness. Between 2023 and 2024, three safeguarding referrals were made concerning men facing homelessness in the county. Sadly, two of these men have since passed away, while the third continues to receive care from multiple agencies.
Gill Taylor, an independent reviewer with two decades of experience in homelessness issues, conducted the review. Her recommendations aim to prevent further deaths and ensure that those identified as “high risk” receive timely, coordinated assistance.
All three men shared complex vulnerabilities, including mental health challenges, histories of substance dependency, involvement with the criminal justice system, and experiences of trauma or abuse. Each was also at risk of self-neglect and physical harm.
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Details from the review reveal critical gaps in support. The first man, referred to as Mr A, was evicted due to escalating alcohol-related incidents before any risk assessment considered the impact of rough sleeping during winter. Mr B passed away shortly after release from prison, with his mental health care not reinstated and medication prescribed without sufficient regard to his history of suicide attempts. Furthermore, returning to live with his mother—a known trigger—compounded his risk. Mr C was evicted in late 2022 from supported housing and endured nearly two years of hazardous rough sleeping conditions without a viable long-term support plan.
Ms Taylor offered condolences to the families and friends of Mr A and Mr B and acknowledged the dedication of front-line service providers who contributed to the review. She also noted opportunities to strengthen homeless support through national policies like the NHS ten-year plan and lessons learned from the ‘Everyone In’ initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SSAB, comprising Somerset Council, NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, and the National Probation Service, focuses on safeguarding adults from neglect and abuse. SSAB chairman Professor Michael Preston-Shoot emphasized that the review’s purpose is to learn lessons rather than assign blame. He noted the complexity and diversity of homelessness, stressing that support improvements should encompass four key areas: individualized care, coordinated teamwork, organizational backing, and robust governance.
To further this agenda, the SSAB plans to host an event centered on homelessness, aiming to better coordinate efforts to support vulnerable individuals in Somerset.