WWYD? Rather what should I do?

[Coca]

I live in a smallish town and have noticed a man who appears to be struggling. I see him around quite frequently and he seems to have gone downhill quite rapidly. I know it sounds odd that I pay this amount of attention to a random stranger but I first noticed him as he looks like someone I used to know so I did a double take. Anyway, this was a few years ago and at the time there was nothing out of the ordinary about him. Then a few months ago I noticed that he was getting scruffier, hair getting long, clothes dirty etc. The last couple of days I have seen him out and about and he just stops in the middle of walking and stares blankly. Today it was at a zebra crossing with cars waiting for him to cross.

My question is, surely someone is looking out for him? If not family or friends then a dr or someone? Should I contact someone? Who? Am I being an incredibly nosey busybody?

He seems seems rather vunerable to be out on his own at the moment.

You could report him to the police as an apparently vulnerable person. (local number of course)
Give them a description of him and outline your concerns.

I would interfere a bit TBH

Perhaps you could speak to someone at Social Services - in their lingo he may be a 'vulnerable adult' - just google ' social services', you would be looking for a number that is the Adult Social Care team or Access team, something like that.

Would that get him proper help? O wouldn't want to cause him any problems iyswim

I not O

Thank you both, I will have a look for a number and give them a call in the morning. I would like to think someone would do the same for me.

He won't get into any sort of trouble. The police will probably keep an eye out for him and if they share your concerns will have a chat with him. If they are really concerned about his mental state they may take him to the station under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. Then he would see a doctor who would clarify if he is unwell or choosing to live like this.

Im in exactly the same position Coca, i too live in a smallish town and keep noticing a man who i have concerns about, its been on my mind for ages, my son has autism and im sure the man ive seen also is autistic but he clearly has no one looking out for him, and since he is older may not have been diagnosed, ive even mentioned it to my DS SW from the disability team but i dont know where he lives so they cant do anything but after reading this thread i think i will try and find out as he clearly needs help and is a bit of a joke figure in our town which im not happy about.

onepieceofcreamyegg not sure the police would get that involved. But Coca I would suggest the social services, they surely have more of a duty to do something and have the right training and experience with this type of thing.