I worked in admin for many years. I was very career driven and had many friends and hobbies.

At home, I was living in despair. I had really bad hoarding issues, which I was ashamed of. I had rubbish in my kitchen piling high. I’d not been able to motivate myself to take anything out and it was making my mental state even worse. I’d not washed the pots in ages, this made me feel unhygienic and disgraceful. I was so embarrassed, I had a walkway in my living room and could hardly move for stuff scattered and piled up. In my hallway it was the same, I just about had access to each room. It was a health and safety disaster waiting to happen. I’d got unwell mentally and physically at times and needed the ambulance crew and police to come to check I was OK. This was so humiliating, but I didn’t know where to even begin to start, it was such a mess. I know I’d caused this and blamed myself. I’d been grieving from the loss of a loved one. It was a vicious circle, the more I had stuff all over, the worse I felt, mentally and physically.

I was referred to Sheffield Mind’s Magpie’s team by the community mental health team. On a scale of zero (bad living situation) to 100 (clutter-free and rubbish-free spaces), with the help of my Magpies keyworker, I’ve gone from 5 to 80. This in turn has given me a clearer mind. It’s fantastic! It’s hard work maintaining this situation, though with a regular routine and goals set each day, I achieve this. It’s so much better and easier to live in an actual home with more space and it’s more tranquil. Now, I actually enjoy tidying and cleaning up after myself. I never thought I’d say this, with how bad things got. It can be done! I praise myself for everything I achieve, I reward myself with something I enjoy afterwards. Either a sweet treat, or something good on tv that I enjoy.

I am a hoarder, though I see myself now as a recovering hoarder.

It was so tough. Getting rid of stuff - clothes, shoes, things of personal meaning to me, throwing, donating and selling items that I was attached to emotionally. I knew that even though I literally hated it, it was for my own good, long term.

I have recently been diagnosed with autism. That helped me have a better understanding of myself and I’m also on better medication for my mental health all round. I do have a lot of health problems, though I try my hardest and best to not allow this to be my life. I choose to be me in my life, my best self, to lead a more fulfilling life, to the best of my capabilities and strengths. My mood is much better. I’ve not had a mental relapse since the end of the programme. This is a huge step in a positive direction. I’ve been applying for jobs and I’m doing my hobbies and physical exercise.

Final words? The service is fantastic! I’ve learned skills from the service which need implementing every day to help me manage and maintain a clutter-free healthier space within my home!