The families of two men who died while living at a homeless hostel in Bristol have launched a campaign to get it closed down. George Mahoney, 32, and Paul Way, 43, were among several residents to have died at Wick House in the past five years. Their relatives claim they did not receive enough support from the facility.
Paul Way's body lay undiscovered for three days after his death in October 2017. His sister, Lorna Rogers, said: 'How can a place like that, that says it's supported, sheltered accommodation, not check on someone for three days, when they're supposed to be feeding them three times a day?' George Mahoney's father, Keith Mahoney, said he still does not know the circumstances of his son's death, adding: 'We know he was alone and there was no-one there to support him.'
Avon and Somerset Police reported seven deaths at Wick House in the past five years, with the most recent last month. However, Bristol Sheltered Accommodation and Support (BSAS), which runs the 87-bed hostel, said there had only been four deaths since 2013. BSAS said it was 'proud of the important service' it offers in challenging conditions.
An investigation by Bristol City Council found that 'some tenants were only receiving minimal or no support and essentially provided with a room only' at Wick House. The council said it expects 'above minimal' support in a homeless hostel. A petition calling for the council to stop funding Wick House and for it to be shut has gained more than 800 signatures.
BSAS said it could not comment on Mr Way's death until after the inquest at the end of November. The charity, set up in 2010, charges £160 per week in housing benefit for accommodation it says offers advice and support at 'all possible times'.
