What the paramedic wasn't aware of was the years/ decades of
battling we have had to try to get her to resolve the issue. It came to a point
where her adult children had to choose not to go to her house because it
was so upsetting. It was not through not trying, I have lost count how many
times we have been to her house to try help get it into a habitable state
or encouraged her to access service to support her in doing so, but due to her
such poor self esteem, confidence and not wanting to lose any of her
possessions this just wasn't achievable. This life changing event
forced our hand to face up to the situation and get professional
help. This is where Cherry came into our lives.....
I called Cherry in March, as a stuttering, bumbling mess on
the phone. Feeling helpless, bewildered, hopeless and most of all embarrassed.
Cherry was absolutely amazing, she reassured, listened, empathised, had a
complete understanding and most importantly made me feel supported and there
could be a way forward. Cherry wasn't able to take on our mum as a client but
she could hear my desperation and promised she would look into it to
see if she could find another professional to support her. Cherry supported
myself and my sister via phone calls and emails. My sister suffers anxiety and
had baby twins to contend with. I have a young family and working full time in
a very stressful and demanding job. Cherry was completely understanding and
worked around us.
Cherry was able to connect us to Simon who is also a
professional de-clutter and hoarder supporter. We managed to persuade our mum
to meet Cherry and Simon via a video link. They offered her understanding,
encouragement and strategies to encourage her to start making small steps
forward. Sadly our mum didn't agree to work with Simon, we believe this because
she has had a difficult life which she had little control and she wants to be
in charge of her decisions now. However from their conversation it has spurred
our mum on to start making the changes she so desperately needs to make.
When she was fitter enough, she returned home and has started to clear the
kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, fingers crossed she can continue.
I truly wish she had made the better choice of working
with Simon. Myself and my brother and sister believe that this would have
changed her life as it's not a straight cut solution of clearing a house, she
would absolutely have benefited from the confidence and self esteem that
would have come from Simon and Cherry's support.
My family wants to whole heartily thank Cherry and
Simon for there support through one of the toughest times".
