Officer goes 'above and beyond' to help elderly man off the streets

21 February 2024

A West Midlands Police Federation member has praised the work of her colleague who saved a man in his 70s who was sleeping rough in his car in the depths of winter.

Sergeant Gemma Turner said Jo Rixon-Plant had gone ‘above and beyond’ in helping the vulnerable man off the streets.

Jo, West Midlands Police vulnerability and early help officer, worked with community groups, partner agencies and charities to find the man accommodation.

Gemma said: “Jo has rescued him from desperate situation. She has done a fantastic job and shown the very best of West Midlands Police.”

The Force was initially contacted when neighbours became concerned about the man’s safety. They had not seen him for a few days, his car had gone and the door to his property in Wolverhampton was unlocked.

Through their enquiries, Wolverhampton response officers found he was living in his car at a truck stop and, after carrying out welfare checks, referred him to Jo.

Jo Rixon-Plant (left) and Sgt Gemma Turner.

“He’d had a massive change in his circumstances due to his home being repossessed,” said Jo. “He was having an all-day breakfast at the truck stop as his only meal. He was using their facilities and he was sleeping in his car.

“It was December and it was really cold. He was so vulnerable."

Jo contacted housing services to try to get him accommodation and to make him a priority because of his vulnerability.

She also contacted the Red Cross, who supplied blankets, food parcels, and essentials such as toiletries.

The man was eventually offered a flat by Bromford Housing and moved in during January.

Jo said: “I was in touch with a lot of organisations to get him a bed, to get him furnished because the flat had nothing, no cutlery, no white goods.

“I was pulling out the stops to get in touch with local organisations and charities that could support him and get him up and running in his flat.”

Jo has also been in contact with Age UK, adult social services and financial wellbeing services to provide ongoing support.

Gemma said: “Jo realised he was in a vulnerable situation, which is why she has gone above and beyond to help. She has kept in touch with him almost daily to make sure he’s okay. “She has been someone to give him that reassurance that people are trying to help him.”

Gemma added: “It’s a wonderful story. It's an example of how important it is to have someone like Jo in our department, whose caring and thoughtful nature has saved someone from a vulnerable and desperate situation.

“With her commitment and passion, she has used her contacts within organisations and partners to ensure he has a safe place to live with the appropriate support.”