Vulnerable Woman Found Dead After Three Years Social Services Blamed

Laura Winham died in her flat at the age of 38. Her family blames social services, stating she was left alone. Laura was mentally unwell and possibly had delusional disorder. Her benefits stopped, leaving her unable to buy food.

Her brother found her remains in 2021. The family had asked police to check on her because she had stopped contacting them in 2014. They thought local services supported her. Roy, her brother, tried reaching her, as his father’s health worsened in 2021.

Roy said Laura was at risk and that social services did not visit. Her diary showed she could not cope. The family criticized social services’ lack of support, believing they missed a chance in 2017 when police contacted social services.

The family wants change after Laura’s death, advocating for a system that cares for vulnerable people. Police contacted support services in 2017, worried about Laura’s situation because she lacked a phone, job, and food. She had little money, no friends or family nearby, and did not know whom to ask for help.

Police sent an alert to Surrey council. Social services tried calling her, knowing she had no phone and was deaf. They sent her a letter instead with information about food banks. Receiving no reply from Laura, they closed her case in November 2017. Her family believes she died then, as she stopped marking her calendar and quit online food shopping. Diary entries ceased at that time as well.

In her diary in October 2017, Laura wrote about not having had food for a month. She could not believe she was surviving. The coroner stated that social services missed chances to visit Laura or her GP, but could not definitively link this to her death. It’s unclear if Laura would have even accepted help.

The coroner recorded an open conclusion, stating the missed chances did not cause her death. Laura’s benefits stopped due to a change, and she needed to reapply. The Department of Work and Pensions sent letters, but the coroner said they missed investigating her lack of response, although this may not have changed things.

The family’s solicitor shared their devastation. She was a loved daughter and sister whom they supported as best as possible regarding her mental health. They believed professionals were better equipped to help her.