The family of a Birmingham father found dead in his neglected home on Boxing Day are demanding answers, saying repeated pleas for professional intervention to save him went unheeded.
A Life Lost in Squalor
Valin Blake, 52, was discovered deceased at his home on Ravenshill Road in Yardley Wood on December 27. He had been living in conditions described as uninhabitable, with no functioning toilet, smashed windows, no heating, and no running hot water. It is believed he died the previous day, on Boxing Day.
Despite multiple referrals to agencies and visits from police and social care staff for safeguarding checks, Blake remained in the deteriorating property. His family and friends are now asking why he was not more forcefully taken into care, potentially under the Mental Health Act.
"Why was he not sectioned for his own good? That's a question we want to ask of social services and mental health services," said Helen, a family friend supporting Blake's two sons. "You cannot believe in this day and age that any service at all would leave a person in that property."
A 'Gentle Giant' Remembered
Described as a smiling, loving, and polite man, Valin Blake was a lifelong resident of Yardley Wood and a well-known local character. Of mixed Jamaican and Irish heritage, he was one of the first black people in the area and faced racial discrimination growing up.
His life took a tragic turn when his young wife died of cancer shortly after their marriage, a loss his family say triggered his descent into drug addiction. His condition worsened further when his mother became ill and moved into a nursing home, leaving him alone in the family house.
"He was a gentle giant but he slowly had got more ill over time," said his elder son, aged 21. "Even with his challenges, he was always extremely polite. He used to play football, worked, was a real pillar of the community, but his addiction made life very difficult."
His younger son, 18, added: "He had his problems and that but at the end of the day he was still a loved man, a son, a dad, a brother, a friend and a person."
Calls for an Investigation
The family say Blake had shown signs of psychosis in his final months but would insist he was "okay" during checks, refusing offers of help from the community and his family. Helen, who had made referrals for assistance, stated his capacity was clearly deteriorating.
"Professionals saw the way he was living and the conditions he was in, it was obvious he was not well at all," she said.
An outpouring of tributes on social media remembered Blake for his kindness. Neighbours spoke of giving him clothes, food, and money, with one recalling having to "literally beg him" to accept £10 at Christmas. Others described him as a "lovely person" who had "lost his way".
The death has been referred to the coroner, and the family say they will press for a full inquest. They have also launched a GoFundMe appeal to fund a proper funeral. Birmingham City Council's social services have been approached for comment.
