Inquest Opens into Laura Winham's Death in Surrey Flat

In Surrey, England, an inquest has opened into the death of Laura Winham, whose body was discovered in May 2021 after lying in her flat for over three years. Winham, 41, had a history of schizophrenia and her family expressed concerns about her welfare to her landlord, New Visions Homes, two months prior to the discovery. Despite attempts by her sister to seek help, officials found no response when they visited the property. The inquest revealed that the gas supply to her flat had been cut off in January 2019 due to a contractor's inability to access the property for an annual check. Winham's family believes she died in November 2017, highlighting a significant gap in care and communication from social and mental health services. The court also noted that Woking Borough Council had taken over the management of social housing, aiming for a more customer-focused approach. However, the family's claims of abandonment and neglect raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the support systems in place for vulnerable individuals. The inquest continues as the community seeks answers regarding the circumstances surrounding her tragic death.