My brother has mental health issues – this eviction could make him vulnerable

DEAR DEIDRE: MY brother has been given notice to leave his house after 20 years of living there.

I’m his sister. I’m 67 and he’s 71. He has mental health problems.

He has nowhere else to go. He has a dog who is his world and she’s now 13.

He has very little money and lives on his state pension.

I live in a flat where they don’t allow dogs, so he can’t even come and stay with me. He’s distraught.

His neighbours have been in touch and say they’ve seen him wandering around his garden in his pyjamas in the middle of the night.

During the colder weather he’ll wrap in a blanket to keep warm because he can only pay the minimum of bills.

How can I help him?

DEIDRE SAYS:  To find out whether he is claiming all the benefits he is entitled to, he can talk to the charity turn2us.org.uk (0808 802 2000).

Also, please email or write urgently to his doctor to advise them of his mental health problems.

Contact the surgery to ensure they receive it.

The doctor may involve social services, in order to find him sheltered housing which also accommodates his dog.

You can find best advice regarding accommodation through shelter.org.uk (0808 800 4444) which has a free phone housing advice line for urgent issues.

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