A couple’s wellbeing has been turned around through help with tackling their rent arrears and hoarding. VIVID Tenancy Support Advisor, Michelle Wren, tells the story of how the couple from Eastleigh in Hampshire have transformed their lives.

“It was evident on my first visit, that the couple had a serious hoarding problem.  They weren’t claiming any benefits and were struggling to live off their daughter’s wage. With help they made a backdated claim for Housing Benefit and Employment Support Allowance, which totalled £4,500 – enough to pay off their £4,000 rent arrears.

“Together we then started clearing items from their home to tackle the hoarding – a bit at a time. Each week they completed certain tasks to clear small areas before my next visit. During one visit, I found some pension paperwork that showed that the couple hadn’t claimed their private pension. I chased this up and secured a payment of £22,000 for them.

“Over the space of a couple of months, the positive difference in the home and wellbeing of the whole family was incredible. When I started providing support, the fire service had flagged the property due to hoarding, but after a couple of months they’d lifted it.

“For me, the best outcome, was the difference that you could see in the couple. They said it’s given them a new lease of life. They’re even planning to decorate the property - something that wouldn’t have been possible before. The whole family is so much happier and they’ve continued to clear their home and make improvements without any further support, which is great to see.”