Linda works with an empathic approach to the situation that is rare and valuable. She treats each individual client precisely as that, an individual. Her caring ability is one that is tempered and mixed with a practicality. She shows great respect for the person she is working with as well as the objects she handles (whether they are going or staying in the client’s environment.) She treats the people she works with in a humane and dare I say loving way. Hoarding is a problem that seems to be becoming more prevalent in our modern society, and which is still being defined by mental health workers. There are many people who just don't quite understand what it is or how to deal with it. I am glad that I am in the position to be able to work with a dedicated and knowledgeable professional who I feel makes a real difference to my life.–Mr. W

It was my support workers from Penumbra who suggested contacting Life-Pod. As a person with long term physical and mental disabilities I can say from experience that Linda has come into my life as a surprising and positive phenomenon. Even during the initial consultation when she visited my home, so cluttered that I am now isolated and unsafe, Linda showed a comprehension I had not encountered before from any health professional. To find someone able to read body language and respond immediately to a change in voice tone makes such a difference. There are guilty feelings attached to hoarding behaviour and we hide or distract from uncomfortable thoughts. Linda's approach is not superficially non-judgemental. She knows about the layers of emotion and pain that have to be picked apart every time physical objects are touched. Her confidence and humour is infectious. She gives practical help and useful psychological techniques, allowing me to find the right language to frame my efforts. There is a debilitating cycle in struggling to decide what to do first when my mind is whirling, leading to stress related pain from IBS, migraine, and chronic fatigue, so I used to collapse halfway through, creating greater muddle.  A backlash of depression and fear always occurs after decluttering activities. Linda's methods acknowledge this and help me to move in small steps at my own pace. She has given me hope of having a life again.–Ms.E

I was getting my home ready to sell after living there for over 25 years. Linda worked with me over several months of occasional half-day visits.  I had acquired many things and I  found it distressing to even begin the process of de-cluttering. Linda's presence made it possible for me to make a start, to go on to do many days of it myself and also to help me to start again when things ground to a halt. In the latter stages Linda was invaluable in finding a reasonably priced man with a van as well as selling some of my items which might otherwise have been junked. I so valued Linda showing respect for me and for my 'stuff'. I loved her many ideas on what to do with some of it, for example my drums went to a Dad's and children's group. I love the idea of my things spreading a little happiness rather than collecting dust in my dark attic. As for my house sale: Last week I received a very good offer the first day it went on the market!–Ms. A

I had been trying to clear out my house for more than a year and was getting nowhere. Having Linda round for just a few hours really helped me focus and we got everything done. Linda’s enthusiastic, motivating and goes the extra mile – she sold a vacuum cleaner for me on Gumtree which pretty much paid for the cost of her visit! I would recommend her services wholeheartedly.–Ms. W

Over many years I have faced the problems that are associated with hoarding, which has led to a great deal of discomfort in my life. In the past when I have looked for solutions the answer has been to get rid of everything in one go, which leads to more mental health issues in the long run. It is refreshing then to see the process that Linda uses in dealing with the issue of hoarding and disorganisation.–Mr. E

I admit to some trepidation before I appointed Linda Fay to declutter my office; I felt that although it looked a little untidy I was on top of it and knew where everything was. In fact it was a revelation both in the quantity of material I didn’t need, the efficiency of the simple structure and systems that Linda established and how little I really ‘knew’ about my piles and files. All this was done whilst I was away – requiring no more from me than a brief introduction at the beginning and Linda guiding me through the changes on my return. A highly recommended process and result.–Dr. W

Before using the services of Life-Pod I thought I would never be able to create the living and working space I required in my small one-bedroom flat but Linda proved me wrong. The fantastic and professional service I received meant that I not only had the space in the kitchen to pursue my interest in cooking, but also the decluttering in my flat gave me a contented feeling of being organised and an overall sense of wellbeing.–Mr. T