Real outcomes

Case Studies

Anonymised examples of how we work alongside housing teams, councils and NHS referrers to achieve safe, lasting outcomes for clients.

Every case is different. These examples illustrate our approach across three common referral types. All details have been anonymised to protect client confidentiality.

Housing AssociationBerkshire

Long-term hoarding in a housing association property

Motivational interviewing · Harm reduction · Trauma-informed practice

The challenge

A housing association in Reading referred a tenant who had lived in a two-bedroom flat for 14 years. After a bereavement and a period of mental health crisis, the property had become severely hoarded — floor-to-ceiling in all rooms. It was at risk of being declared uninhabitable, and the association was considering enforcement action.

Our approach

Over 18 weekly sessions we worked alongside the tenant at their own pace. In the early weeks we sorted only one bag per visit while building trust. Once the tenant felt ready, we increased the pace and carried out some semi-bulk clearance. Excess items in good condition were donated to local charities.

The outcome

The property was returned to a safe, habitable standard after 18 weeks. The tenant remained in their home. The housing association avoided enforcement action and the associated legal costs. The repair team was then able to access the boiler and complete outstanding work.

18 weeks

Total duration

Tenant retained

Outcome

Legal action avoided

For housing association

Local CouncilBuckinghamshire

Urgent bulk clearance ahead of a safeguarding review

Person-centred practice · Consent-based intervention · Multi-agency working

The challenge

A local authority referred a vulnerable adult living in conditions that posed an immediate fire and health risk. The case had been open for two years with no resolution, and an urgent safeguarding review was scheduled.

Our approach

We attended within 48 hours of referral for an assessment and provided a written report to the council within 24 hours. We attended the multi-disciplinary team meeting the following week. With the client's full consent — confirmed by their social worker — we identified items they wished to keep and completed a bulk clearance over two days.

The outcome

The client engaged positively throughout and agreed to bi-weekly post-clearance support. Safeguarding was closed within four weeks of our involvement. The client was reported to be happy and doing well.

Person-centred

Approach

2 days

Clearance phase

4 weeks

Safeguarding closed

NHS ReferralLondon

Hospital discharge support for a patient with OCD and hoarding disorder

Trauma-informed practice · OCD-adapted collaborative sorting · Strengths-based approach

The challenge

An NHS community health team in London referred a patient who was still physically unwell after a car accident and could not safely return home. The property needed space for a temporary hospital bed, commode, and mobile hoist. The patient had diagnoses of OCD and hoarding disorder. Previous clearance attempts by family had caused significant distress, and the patient had refused further access. The hospital team expected the patient to be medically ready for discharge in five to six weeks.

Our approach

We worked closely with the discharge coordinator and made a clear plan with the patient before any work began. While on site we used WhatsApp video so the patient could see progress and give agreement in real time. Nothing was removed without explicit consent, and we located items the patient had previously thought were lost. Belongings were sorted so the patient could easily access them later as their health improved.

The outcome

The patient was discharged home on time within five weeks, with no delay. The care team reported the patient's engagement with the process as a significant step in their recovery. Ongoing monthly maintenance sessions were arranged, with funding for continued support transferred to the local authority.

5 weeks

To safe discharge

On time

No delay to discharge

Funding transferred

To local authority

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