A VULNERABLE homeless man said he feels he has been left to 'fend for himself' after being placed in supported accommodation.

Andie Mossop, who has autism, ADHD and other complex needs, was placed in the Peter Street accommodation in Whitehaven nearly a year ago.

The 27-year-old from Frizington says he has become dangerously underweight due to lack of experience of living independently.  

Mr Mossop came forward after The Whitehaven News  shared the story of Jay Harding, 36, who also resides at the accommodation, and claimed he has been given no help since moving in.

Home Group, which owns the supported accommodation, has denied the allegations made and say both men have received support.

Mr Mossop said: “I came into the service after a fight broke out with my mum in June of last year, however, my situation means I require more support than the ordinary person.

“Before I even moved in, I was promised by Cumberland housing options that there would be specialists on hand, who would know how to treat me.

“I was also told this was a service that would help relocate me quickly, but unfortunately, like Mr Harding, these have yet to be addressed.

“I was left to fend and learn for myself, within days of moving in, which, due to my lack of experience living independently, has caused me to become dangerously underweight, to the point where I now fear for my life.

“I have been repeatedly told by several managers, in the last twelve months, that things would improve, but alas, everything is still the same.

“I've even become messier since moving in, which is not something you would expect an individual with autism to be like.”

Lisa Russell, Home Group’s director North West, said: “We disagree with both Jay and Andie about the alleged lack of support they have received. We outlined clearly the level of support Jay had received and it is a similar situation for Andie.

“Since arriving in June last year we have arranged 22 support sessions for Andie, as well as speaking to him daily to check his wellbeing.

“We are supporting Andie to be assigned a social worker to enable him to move, and with Andie's permission, have raised this with Adult Social Care on his behalf.

“We'll continue our conversations with both Jay and Andie directly to ensure our support for them best fits their needs.

“Our Peter Street service is a challenging service given the complex issues our customers face. And at times there are minor incidences to deal with. That is the same for any service like this.

“But we are committed to supporting people who want to overcome their issues, have their own home and to thrive in, and contribute to, their communities once again.”

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "We have established protocols to ensure those who need our services receive our support, and we take a collaborative approach to address diverse individual need.

“To ensure comprehensive support this often includes the involvement of partners such as housing authorities and probation officers.

“In line with GDPR we cannot comment on individual cases. However, we are committed to addressing changing needs and supporting individuals on their path to stability and independence.”