Moving Forward-Norfolk CIC

Moving Forward - Norfolk

Hoarding & Self Neglect Specialists - Focussing on Relapse Prevention

A not for profit Community Interest Company & Social Enterprise

Moving Forward-Norfolk (MF-N) tackles the problems caused by hoarding and self-neglect primarily by working with individuals to reclaim their home environment via a twofold process.

One - Mentoring
By working with a person-centred approach, listening to and trying to see problems through the eyes of the referral, making sure that their mental health is considered forefront and empowering them to make their own decisions. We guide and teach referrals positive decision-making processes and get them thinking about solutions to overcome some of the difficulties causing their home environment to have a negative impact on them. The main aims of MF-N focus heavily on safety and relapse prevention. The engagement of the referral is paramount to success and physical involvement is expected based on their physical ability. If physical ability is very limited, ongoing support needs will be assessed during and at the end of the course of sessions and recommendations made. We usually work with a referral over 12 weekly sessions to accomplish common goals of the Referrer, Service User and
MF-N. Common goals may include goals set by other local authorities or housing providers. Session reports are completed at various intervals throughout the process, a copy of which is provided to the referrer.

We are used to working with people with an age range of 20 – 86 years old and who have a whole range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression and grief to OCD, BPD and paranoid schizophrenia, We are not mental health experts and know our limitations, but by understanding these issues and disorders we can consider the issues and out looks Service Users may have, making for a much more productive outcome.

Feedback has confirmed that our person-centred approach has helped connect with people better and often quicker, partly because we do not have the unfortunate cloak of an authority and have produced long term results with less return visits, although the cost is higher than a quick fix, it saves a lot of money and resources in the long run and more importantly, has a positive rather than negative impact on the Service Users mental health.

Two - Physical decluttering, clearing and targeted cleaning
We provide empathetic, DBS checked and well-trained staff to help with the clearing and targeted deep cleaning of properties, the staff work alongside Mentors and referrals as part of a team. Guide costs will be discussed and agreed after an engagement meeting with the referral and usually referrer. Disposal of unwanted items are arranged at cost, i.e. no added charge to the cost of disposal to MF-N. All staff are trained to focus on the individual as well as the environment when carrying out any works within a property.