From Loft Clearances to Life-Changing Support: Our Story

What started as one woman’s idea to make a difference has grown into a nationally recognised social enterprise supporting vulnerable people across Suffolk.

Lofty Heights CIC was officially founded in July 2012, but the seed was planted earlier. After 13 years working in public health and local communities, our founder Olive Quinton saw how practical barriers were preventing vulnerable people from living safely and independently at home. We believed there had to be a better way.

The Beginning: A Simple Problem with a Big Impact

Between 2009 and 2011, government grants were available to fund loft insulation. But lofts had to be completely clear before insulation could be installed.

For many older and vulnerable people, this simply wasn’t possible. Loft spaces often held decades of belongings, and homes were already cluttered. Without family or friends able to help, people were missing out on warmer homes and lower energy bills.

Recognising this gap, in July 2012 we created Lofty Heights CIC. Alongside four young people, we began helping vulnerable residents empty their lofts so they could access insulation grants. It was practical, hands-on work — but it changed lives.

Adapting and Growing

When the loft insulation grant scheme ended after just nine months, we adapted.

Building on our experience working in heavily cluttered homes, we developed a specialist Decluttering and Hoarding Support service, forming trusted relationships with social services, housing associations and referral partners.

Over time, our services expanded to include:

• Hoarding Support

• Hospital Discharge Support (Homeward Bound)

• House Clearance

• Garden Clearance

• End of Tenancy Cleaning

• Support for Carers

Each service has been developed in response to real needs within our community.

Transforming Hospital Discharge in Suffolk

In 2014, through funded work supporting carers under the Suffolk County Council Carers Innovation Grant (2014/15), we became aware of a serious issue: hospital discharges were failing because homes were not ready.

Sometimes all that was needed was space for a hospital bed or small but essential adjustments.

A chance conversation at a Health and Wellbeing Board event led to a funded 12-month Homeward Bound pilot with Ipswich Hospital. Following its success, we were awarded a three-year contract, followed by a similar contract with West Suffolk CCG.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020–2021, our Homeward Bound team helped over 500 people return home safely after hospital stays, freeing up vital NHS resources at one of the most challenging times.

Supporting Young People and Creating Opportunities

Alongside our core services, we have invested in young people from the very beginning.

Through funded training programmes, work experience placements and recruitment initiatives, we have supported young people into employment and skills development.

From early partnerships with Otley College and Tudor Trust funding to later recruitment and pre-employment training programmes with Realise Futures, we have consistently created pathways into work while delivering community impact.

Recognition and Awards

Our work has been recognised locally and nationally over the years:

• 2015 – Winner, Suffolk High Sheriff’s Group of the Year Award

• 2016 – Highly Commended, National Crime Beat Awards

• 2017/18 – High Sheriff’s Certificate of Recognition

• 2018 – Finalist, Suffolk Coastal People Development Awards

• 2020 – BBC Radio Suffolk Making a Difference Recognition

• 2021 – Social Enterprise UK Nomination

These recognitions reflect the dedication of our team and the difference made within our community.

Making a Clear Difference

Today, Lofty Heights CIC offers six core services: Decluttering, Hoarding Support, Homeward Bound Hospital Discharge Service, House Clearance, Garden Clearance and End of Tenancy Cleaning, alongside funded Support for Carers.

Through our Skills Academy, we also support young people aged 16–24 to build confidence, develop practical skills and move towards employment and independence.

Everything we do is rooted in one purpose: helping people live safely, independently and with dignity in their own homes — while creating opportunities for the next generation.

Practical support. Real impact. Making a clear difference.