An innovative new project is making a positive difference to the lives of Sefton residents affected by problem hoarding.

The award-winning Remove to Improve initiative, run by the Fire Support Network charity, helps people to declutter their homes when excessive hoarding begins to affect their ability to lead functional lives, and has an impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.

It is funded by the NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG Voluntary Community and Faith Fund, managed by Sefton CVS.

Partnership working is the key to the success of Remove to Improve, which was established as a pilot project in Sefton and Wirral in 2014.

Fire Support Network personnel work alongside staff and volunteers from Age Concern, Sefton CVS, social services, GPs, occupational therapists, mental health teams, charities and landlords on tackling the problem.

In each case the aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of the client by helping them to reduce the amount of clutter in their homes, remove hazards and access a range of different services offered by partners.

The emphasis is on providing a bespoke package of support that meets the individual needs of each resident, with follow-up help available from trained volunteers who befriend the client and support them on an ongoing basis.

Remove to Improve has been so successful that it has already landed a prestigious national award.

It was named Community Fire Safety Project of the Year in the 2014 IFSEC Security & Fire Excellence Awards.

Now staff from the Fire Support Network believe the project could become a model of best practice implemented regionally and nationally.

Community Welfare Manager Karen Lavery explained: “We developed our approach after dealing with various aspects of the issue of hoarding for some eight years. We now believe we have a multi-agency model that really works.”

Linda Mitchell, Chief Executive of the Fire Support Network, added: “Remove to Improve has been very successful in improving the quality of life of many people in Sefton and Wirral for whom hoarding has become a problem.

“This success - and the award - is the result of the hard work and commitment of our staff, our partners and all the volunteers involved with the project.”

* Referrals are still being accepted to Remove to Improve. For more details contact Karen Lavery on 0151 296 4348 or email karenlavery@merseyfire.gov.uk

ALSO READ: