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In a tragic case that has raised serious concerns about social care systems, Laura Winham, a 38-year-old woman from Woking, Surrey, was found deceased in her flat in May 2021, having been dead for over three years. Ms. Winham, who suffered from schizophrenia and was deaf, had become estranged from her family due to her mental health condition, which led her to believe they intended to harm her.
Her body was discovered by her brother during a welfare check after family members grew increasingly worried about her well-being. Prior to this, in March 2021, her sister had contacted New Vision Homes, the landlord contractor for Woking Borough Council at the time, expressing concerns due to accumulated post and lack of communication. A subsequent door knock by the council went unanswered, and no further action was taken.
Diary entries found in Ms. Winham’s flat painted a harrowing picture of her final days. In October 2017, she wrote: “It has been a whole month since my last food shop. I cannot believe I have survived this long.” Another entry from September 2017 read: “Wish I’d bought rice. Dreaming of (food). Anyway, I’m starving.” These entries suggest she was living in extreme isolation and deprivation.
The inquest into her death revealed multiple missed opportunities by various agencies to intervene. In November 2018, a gas company attempted to contact Ms. Winham for an annual check but received no response, leading to her gas supply being capped in January 2019. Despite these warning signs, no effective measures were taken to ensure her safety.
Ms. Winham’s family has criticized social and mental health services, stating she was “abandoned and left to die.” They emphasized that while they respected her wishes for minimal contact due to her mental health struggles, they relied on authorities to provide the necessary support, which was evidently lacking.
This case highlights the critical need for improved communication and proactive measures among social care agencies to protect vulnerable individuals, ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur.
Key Points on Laura Winham’s Case
1. Discovery of Body
• Laura Winham, 38, was found dead in her Woking flat in May 2021.
• She had been deceased for over three years before being discovered.
2. Mental Health and Isolation
• She suffered from schizophrenia and was deaf.
• She became estranged from her family, believing they intended to harm her.
• Her family relied on social services to ensure her safety.
3. Missed Opportunities
• Authorities were aware of warning signs but failed to intervene.
• In 2018, a gas company cut off her supply after failed contact attempts.
• In 2021, her sister raised concerns due to accumulated mail, but no further action was taken.
4. Disturbing Diary Entries
• Entries from 2017 indicated she was starving and struggling to survive.
• One entry read: “Wish I’d bought rice. Dreaming of (food). Anyway, I’m starving.”
5. Family’s Criticism of Authorities
• Her family accused social services of abandoning her.
• They argue she was left to “fend for herself” despite clear signs of distress.
6. Call for Change
• The case highlights major failures in social care and mental health support.
• Calls for better welfare checks and coordination between agencies to prevent similar tragedies.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Laura Winham underscores severe failings in social care and mental health support systems. Despite multiple warning signs—accumulated post, a disconnected gas supply, and a lack of contact—authorities failed to intervene, leaving a vulnerable woman to die alone. Her heartbreaking diary entries reveal the extent of her suffering, making it clear that more proactive welfare checks and inter-agency coordination are necessary to prevent similar cases. Laura’s family continues to demand accountability, and her story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of systemic neglect.
Attached is a news article regarding Laura winhams body found after 3 years being left to fend for her self
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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