A man with a history of mental health issues, Lion Allamby, has made headlines after jumping out of a third-floor window while believing he could fly. Allamby had been in contact with mental health services multiple times leading up to the incident. Despite concerns from his family about his safety, he was sent home on three separate occasions. Prior to the fall, Allamby had engaged in dangerous behavior, including reckless driving and being found wandering naked. The Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, responsible for his care, has stated that it takes concerns seriously. Allamby’s family has expressed frustration and worry over the lack of intervention and support.
Allamby’s troubling behavior began in September when he was admitted to the Oleaster Unit, a mental health treatment center, after a car collision on a motorway. He spent two weeks there before being transferred to another treatment center called George Ward. However, his family claims that he was unexpectedly released after just one week. Shortly after his release, Allamby was found naked and wandering the streets. His former girlfriend had repeatedly warned mental health services about his deteriorating mental state, but her concerns were not addressed.
Despite these incidents, Allamby was repeatedly allowed to return home. On one occasion, paramedics recommended hospitalization, but he was sent home again. Tragically, on October 3rd, a fire broke out in his third-floor flat. In a desperate attempt to fly, Allamby jumped from the window and fell onto the concrete below, sustaining multiple fractures and spinal injuries.
Allamby’s mother expressed shock at his release from the hospital without a place to go, given his history. He spent a night in a hotel before finding temporary refuge with a relative. The family claims that there has been no contact with mental health services in the community since then. Allamby’s brother also expressed frustration and concern about the lack of support and intervention.
The Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, which has faced eight prevention of further death notices by the coroner in the past two years, declined to comment on specific cases but emphasized that it takes concerns seriously and is committed to improving its services. The NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board acknowledged the need for improvement in mental health care and stated that steps have been taken to address the issue. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has conducted an inspection of the trust, but the report is yet to be published.
An investigation by the West Midlands Police into the fire is ongoing. Citizen Housing, the housing association responsible for Allamby’s tenancy, stated that it is supporting him and advised him to contact Birmingham City Council for temporary housing. Birmingham City Council, in turn, stated that Citizen Housing is responsible for housing Allamby.