"Access and information service guided and directed us"

In early July, as a result of a conversation which my wife had with a woman we know, we learned that their housework had got beyond her and her partner. We offered to help, and with an array of cleaning products we visited their home.

When we visited we realised that this situation was completely beyond our ability. To say that we were shocked would be an understatement. My wife was reduced to tears with the thought that these people were living in such squalor. We assured them we would try to find helps to rescue them from these seriously bad conditions.

We went home and spent a long time searching the internet to try and find a group who could deal with a serious mouse infestation, house clearance and cleaning of home. Over that weekend our thoughts were consumed about their health and their resignation to living in such conditions.

Now that they had reached out to us we were able to shop and collect medication for them. Our overriding concern was for their health especially when we learned that mouse urine turns to dust and can cause respiratory problems. Each of them had breathing issues along with other medical problems.

We then discovered that this woman was visited by a nurse each week. I met with the nurse and learned that she only went to one room and had no knowledge of what existed beyond. On hearing what we had discovered, she immediately rang her superior resulting in me being given the telephone number of Access and Information.

I initially made contact with Kathy to whom I outlined this situation. I have to sincerely say that I have never encountered anyone who was so kind, caring and compassionate. She completely assured me that her department would would be able to guide and direct me through the range of agencies that were available to deal with this type of situation.

After several stressful days that conversation gave us an enormous sense of relied and belief that this situation was going to be handled professionally.

I had many conversations with Kathy where I needed to contact various agencies on behalf of this couple, and at the end of every call she always advised us to look after our own health.

I also had a number of conversations with Mairead who I found to be equally kind, caring and compassionate. I was very impressed that on a Friday evening, she waited until 5:30 to give me an update before she went off on holiday the next day. To me, that is a mark of someone who will go above and beyond, and is passionate about the role they are performing. 

Eventually the mouse infestation was dealt with. Over 100 caught). Ten carryloads of furniture, clothing and rubbish and the hoarded boxes were removed by myself and a local two man team. Finally an extensive cleaning operation was put into action.

The couple concerned went to a care home for respite until suitable accommodation could be found, When it was, we had to shop for furniture, kitchen utensils, bedding, white goods and groceries, so that when they arrived they had a new furnished home. They are now settled in supervised accommodation, thanks to the existence  of Access and Information, and the agencies at their disposal.

One of these agencies in particular was Belfast Central Mission whose representative, Nora, was a vital contributor to the success of the rescue of these people and continues to date to be a vital link in their care. Her personality and enthusiasm combined to give us confidence that once again we had encountered some who was equally passionate about their role. Each time we met an obstacle we only had to ask and inevitably she solved it. We are sincerely grateful for all the help and advice she offered throughout this process.

This saga began early July 2021 and our input ended at the end September 2021.