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A 31-year-old Middlesbrough man, identified as Mr. X, has been left without essential care for over eight weeks after a sudden decision by Middlesbrough Social Services to halt his support. The decision, which came without prior notice, has left Mr. X—who suffers from multiple chronic health issues—in a vulnerable and precarious situation.
For six years, Mr. X relied on carers to help manage his daily life and health needs. However, following a change in his social worker, all care was abruptly stopped. The lack of explanation or planning left him struggling to cope and fearing for his well-being.
Adding to the confusion, on Christmas Eve, a social worker unexpectedly visited Mr. X to inform him that the delay in reinstating his care was due to awaiting NHS funding approval for medication-related visits. This explanation has only deepened frustration and raised questions about the lack of coordination and accountability within Middlesbrough Social Services.
“Why cancel all my care with no warning, only to come out weeks later and say funding is the issue?” asked Mr. X. “This whole process has been a nightmare. Social services have had plenty of chances to fix this, but instead, I’ve been left to fend for myself for weeks.”
Despite filing two formal complaints about his treatment, Mr. X says the situation remains unresolved. He has been waiting for weeks for an advocate to support him in addressing these failings, compounding his sense of abandonment by the system.
Local advocacy groups have condemned Middlesbrough Social Services for their handling of the case, calling it a breach of their duty of care. “This is an appalling failure,” said a representative from a local disability rights organization. “No one should have their care stopped so abruptly without proper arrangements in place. Mr. X’s experience highlights a systemic issue that needs urgent attention.”
Mr. X’s case has prompted calls for an investigation into the actions—or lack thereof—of Middlesbrough Social Services. Critics argue that the lack of communication, planning, and follow-through reflects a broader failure in the system meant to protect society’s most vulnerable individuals.
As Mr. X continues to wait for answers and support, his story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of mismanagement within social care.
Middlesbrough Social Services & Luke Myers MP has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
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